#vera jo

The babysitter. Mom Izzy checking in on the little lambs: Jack, Bob Barker, and her daughter Vera Jo. Cindy is visible in the rear to the left.

When Daniella, Zepha, and Izzy arrived at Farm Sanctuary, they were coming from a place of grief. They had been ewes used to create lamb after lamb who were each removed from them — with the females put back into the system for breeding and the males sold.

The mothers. Each of these girls went through so much in their pasts and were all very protective mothers, but thankfully, they came to realize that their babies were, and still are, safe. 

Each mom was very different, and each baby takes on part of his or her mom in terms of fear of humans and the world — but in general, the babies also learn that they can trust people and often are much braver than their moms.

Mom Zepha checking in on her daughters — with Vera Jo and Cindy in front.

The first birth was Vera Jo, and a very frightened mom Izzy had her when no one was around. 

Day One, and mom is making sure that baby Vera stays clean and bright.

At first Vera Jo was shy like mom, but she quickly realized that it was much more fun to hang out with people than avoid them. She also loves a good time and is one of the most amazing jumpers we have ever had at Farm Sanctuary. 

Super Lamb Vera Jo. When animals feel safe, they also feel that they can show their natural behaviors, including the expression of joy. 

Zepha was the second to give birth; she had her two daughters right after Vera was born to Izzy. Both Laura and Cindy were also very shy at first, but are far less so than mom. Mom still has not come around, and was one of the older girls that we took in from last year’s Cattaraugus County rescue. 

Zepha was not only the most frightened, but also the most protective of the three mothers. Here she is with her newborn girls Cindy and Laura.  

These two were born with leg issues, which fortunately quickly resolved. Although mom is still not a fan, the babies have come around, and like Vera Jo, they truly enjoy life at the sanctuary!

Feeling brave! The two girls eventually realized that we were okay. Here are Laura and Cindy checking out the camera. (Note that Cindy got very spotted like mom and sis within a few months.)

Jack and Bob Barker, left, and Laura and Cindy, in front, having a play date.

But the third and final birth was very different. The two lamb boys born to Daniella were love machines from day one. They want nothing more than a human snuggle, and they spend time seeking out people, much like mom now does as well. Bob Barker and Jack are two very special boys — who, a year later, are far larger than mom and still just as sweet. 

Brothers and best friends for life, Jack with brother Bob Barker (he has his front leg around his brother) loving life at sanctuary. 

These lambs, though a few are shy, are still very different and far more independent, for very good reasons.

Baby Jack with his mom at around 3 months of age. 

Almost a year old and growing much taller than his tiny mom, Jack and Daniella are together every day!

Because unlike their mothers, they will never be locked in a dark pen.  

From a dark pen to the light of the sanctuary, these sweet children will never have to go through the sadness their mothers experienced. 

They will never be taken away from their family members and their flock.  

The family continues together — with mom Zepha standing and her daughters Cindy, left, and Laura, right. 

They will enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and clean barns, and will never go without food.  

Bob Barker with a lot of minerals on his mouth! These are delicious!