Sage MountainHealth · Planet · Animals

Meet the Animals

Every animal here has a name and a story

Miranda leaning over a deck railing to kiss Bradley on the nose, with snowy hills behind them

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Sponsor an animal

Sponsoring an animal means committing to a monthly or yearly gift that goes toward their care. Browse by species below and pick who you'd like to support.

Francis

Born here Oct 20, 2022

A surprise baby. We rescued his mom Reba, and six months later she gave birth, surprising us all. While his mom needed some time and reassurance for her to know that she's truly safe with us, Francis could sense this instantly. In a way, he helped his mom realize that they were safe to relax and live their lives together happily with us.

Personality: Extremely playful and free spirited just like his momma. When he's not getting into trouble, he loves spending time with Star and his mom, exploring the mountain.

Sponsor Francis

Reba

Rescue-versary: May 2, 2022

Reba was labeled an unclaimed, crazy cow on the loose. It took a full day and 6 hours of experienced cowboys to get her onto a trailer. When she first arrived to Sage Mountain, she was incredibly terrified of us humans. She would run far away down the mountain any time a truck drove up the driveway, all clear signs she may have suffered abuse and mistreatment at her previous home. After about 6 months, Reba surprised us with a baby boy! We had no idea she was pregnant. She's the best mother to Francis and acts like a mother to the other cattle as well. After she saw how much her son trusts us and how much we love him, she started warming up to us more. We're honored to provide her and Francis with a loving home, where they can enjoy being in each other's love and presence forever.

Personality: Found solace with the sanctuary's bovine residents and spends every moment grazing with them.

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: May 2, 2022

Born Sep 14, 2021

Rescued May 2, 2022 through a 4-H-type program in southern Utah, where a young teen was tasked with raising her before she'd eventually be auctioned off. Her caretaker had a different plan and sent her to sanctuary instead. She's the sweetest girl, and has so much love to share with everyone she meets. We feel lucky to have her around.

Personality: Enjoys neck scratches, laying in the sun, and cuddling with her closest human friends.

Bradley

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jan 17, 2018

Rescued from a youth program that raises animals for eventual auction. The kids raising Bradley had a change of heart and sent him to sanctuary instead. He was the first cow that we ever rescued, and he takes his own assumed role of cow caretaker very seriously. He's a great guy, and we're so happy that the kids who were raising him could see what we see in him.

Personality: Watches over his family here at Sage Mountain, enjoys being brushed, and likes scratching his butt on the fences.

Sponsor Bradley

Dale

Rescue-versary: Sep 20, 2018

Found haltered and tied to a floorboard outside a chicken plant in Southern California, starving, sick, and covered in flies. A Jersey bull with no use to a dairy operation, he was rescued by Farm Sanctuary before transferring to Sage Mountain.

Personality: Known to be sassy, very playful, energetic, and curious about the world around him.

Benji

Rescue-versary: Nov 8, 2019

Rescued from a youth program that raises animals for auction. The student raising Benjamin couldn't bear to see him sent to slaughter and reached out for help.

Personality: Expressive, social butterfly with the other cows, and loving.

Ralphy

Rescue-versary: Dec 7, 2024

Found wandering the streets of South Jordan, likely a former backyard pig, he ended up at the animal shelter. Our good friends with Wasatch Wanderers rescued him. From there, we fostered to adopt him. As soon as he arrived to Sage Mountain, everyone fell in love with him. He even found a lifelong best friend with us, Bruce the goat. They spend a lot of their time together. Whether they're snacking on grass, adventuring, or just being plain silly together, they enjoy each other's company.

Personality: The sweetest little boy. Loves belly rubs, meeting new people, and falling asleep to volunteers singing him lullabies.

Pickles

Born here Jun 2, 2022

Born June 2, 2022, one of four piglets born to Harriet just two months after we rescued her, a total surprise.

Personality: Loves playing and being mischievous, hanging out with River and going on adventures around the sanctuary.

Sponsor Pickles

Harriet

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Mar 27, 2022

Came from a small Utah farm raising blonde-mangalitsa pigs for show, breeding, or meat. She was found belly-deep in a muddy pool of feces when we rescued her. Two months after we rescued her, she surprised us by giving birth to four piglets. She's the best mother to them, and even sang to them when they were babies as they would nurse off of her.

Personality: The first to find you for belly rubs and the last to leave your side. Loves exploring the pasture and bathing in the wallow.

Sponsor Harriet

Amora

Born here Jun 2, 2022

Born June 2, 2022, one of four piglets born to Harriet just two months after we rescued her, a total surprise.

Personality: Enjoys long walks along the mountainside, snuggles from family and human friends, and getting into mischief.

Francine

Born here Jun 2, 2022

Born June 2, 2022, one of four piglets born to Harriet just two months after we rescued her, a total surprise.

Personality: Loves playing in the mud, hanging out with her mama, and watching the sunset at night.

Sponsor Francine

River

Needs a sponsor

Born here Jun 2, 2022

Born June 2, 2022, one of four piglets born to Harriet just two months after we rescued her, a total surprise.

Personality: Loves hanging out with volunteers, taking care of others, and getting belly rubs.

Ponyboy

Rescue-versary: Mar 2, 2017

Rescued by Farm Sanctuary in 2016 in Acton, CA, after animal control picked him up following his escape from a previous home. Once cleared for release, Farm Sanctuary transferred him to Sage Mountain. Ponyboy was our first resident, along with his girlfriend, Wilma Jean. Wilma had been rescued from a different situation, but as soon as they met at Farm Sanctuary, they became inseparable. They spent the next 9 years doing everything together, from breakfast dates to mudpit spa days, to watching the sunset and snuggling every night. They adored each other. Wilma unfortunately had to leave her earthly body on July 29, 2025. Ponyboy grieved her deeply, and needed time to feel and heal before he could even think about watching another sunset again. But with lots of time and love from us and the animals, Ponyboy started feeling more like himself again. While he'll never be the same without her, he now enjoys watching the sunset with the other animals, and snuggling with the other pigs. He's a perfect example of the depth of emotions that pigs can feel, just like us.

Personality: Enjoys most things and is always wagging his tail. Finds peace in watching the sunset in loving memory of Wilma, and spending time with the other pigs.

Sponsor Ponyboy

Morgan

Rescue-versary: May 23, 2020

Rescued in May 2020 after falling off a transport truck onto an interstate highway in Morgan, UT. Animal control took him in, and since no one claimed him, we were able to rescue him.

Personality: Enjoys taking long naps, hanging out with Amora, and expressing how he feels.

Jesse

Rescue-versary: Jul 5, 2017

Found as a baby in Cedar City, Utah, after his ears had been bitten off by dogs. The woman who rescued him bottle-fed him at home until he was ready to come to Sage Mountain.

Personality: Greets guests every day, loves head scratches and napping in the sun.

Martin

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jul 23, 2017

Considered a "bummer" lamb the farmer had no interest in raising. The farmer chose to find him a new home instead, and that's how he came to live with us.

Personality: Very curious. Enjoys just being in your presence, hanging out with his sheep family, and any and all treats he can get.

Sammie

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jul 23, 2017

Found high in the mountains, alone and very young, by a woman who snowshoed the area and returned daily to feed her through the winter, before she was brought down to her new forever home.

Personality: Very observant. Enjoys hanging out with Martin and acting as the mother figure for the other sheep.

Ava

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Oct 21, 2020

Found abandoned with her brother Peter just four or five days after birth. Their caregivers bottle-fed them every few hours, and the babies became deeply attached to their new caregivers.

Personality: A very gentle soul. Enjoys head scratches and the company of her sheep and human friends.

Peter

Rescue-versary: Oct 21, 2020

Found abandoned with his sister Ava just four or five days after birth. Their caregivers bottle-fed them every few hours, and the babies became deeply attached to their new caregivers.

Personality: Sees himself as the protector of all the sheep here. Also loves expressing how he feels and being the center of attention.

Jasper

Rescue-versary: Sep 5, 2024

Originally rescued by Haven Hollow Animal Refuge when the goat farm he lived at asked them to take him in. When Haven Hollow later needed to rehome their residents, we were glad to take him in.

Personality: Very curious, loves being involved in everything, and shows love through kisses and soft nibbles.

Pam

Rescue-versary: Oct 23, 2019

Raised as part of a child's 4-H program. After forming a bond, the family didn't want her sent to auction and asked us to take her in along with her friends Bruce and Kevin, an inseparable trio.

Personality: Enjoys watching the sunset, taking lots of naps, and stealing treats.

Bruce

Rescue-versary: Oct 23, 2019

Raised as part of a child's 4-H program. After forming a bond, the family didn't want him sent to auction and asked us to take him in along with his friends Pam and Kevin, an inseparable trio.

Personality: The self-appointed boss of the other goats. Enjoys scratches behind the horns and being the center of attention.

Louis

Rescue-versary: Apr 15, 2023

Came to Sage Mountain with his brother Lenny after their previous owner sold their house and planned to send them to a livestock auction. We got word in time to negotiate their release to sanctuary.

Personality: Loves hanging out with everyone who visits, leaning in for snuggles, and taking care of others.

Moby

Rescue-versary: Dec 23, 2025

Rescued with the help of the nonprofit DxE (Direct Action Everywhere), who brought her and her brother Phoenix to safety from Sanpete County. She arrived timid and frightened, but slowly healed.

Personality: Now one of the most affectionate and welcoming turkeys. Adores greeting visitors and seeking out connection.

Brett

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Dec 31, 2023

Abandoned in a canyon near Nephi, a place often used for target practice, in the middle of winter. A compassionate individual spotted and took him in.

Personality: Took on the role of protector for the other turkeys; loves strutting around showing off his presence.

Phoenix

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Dec 23, 2025

Rescued with the help of the nonprofit DxE (Direct Action Everywhere), who brought him and his sister Moby to safety from Sanpete County. He arrived cautious, but slowly learned this place was different.

Personality: A tender, affectionate presence. Greets visitors sweetly and spends his days with his turkey family.

Sponsor Phoenix

Roxy

Needs a sponsor

Found as a stray in Salt Lake City and unclaimed at the shelter. Wasatch Wanderers fostered her, then brought her to Sage Mountain to be a friend for Brett.

Personality: The sweetest gal you'll meet. Extremely social, loves to snuggle, and often falls asleep in laps. The alpha of the sanctuary's turkeys.

Jeff Goldblum

Rescue-versary: Dec 14, 2025

Found on the side of the road with his sister Ariana, two tiny lives with an unknown past, bruised and frightened. A compassionate foster gave both siblings the safety and time they needed to heal, before moving them to Sage Mountain.

Personality: Splits his time between caring for his girlfriend Wednesday and his sister Ariana, who he's bonded very closely with.

Sponsor Jeff Goldblum

Penelope

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Aug 23, 2024

Found as a stray and ended up at the animal shelter; after her stray hold was up unclaimed, we brought her home to Sage Mountain.

Personality: Was skittish on arrival but with time has healed. Spends her days exploring with Hei Hei, and hanging out with the other hens.

Sponsor Penelope

Sally

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jan 17, 2025

Also goes by Squishy. Found as a stray and ended up at the shelter unclaimed. Wasatch Wanderers rescued her, then brought her to Sage Mountain.

Personality: Very comfortable with us from the start. Walter the rooster was quick to welcome and protect her, they've been closely bonded ever since.

Walter

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jun 22, 2024

Found wandering a neighborhood and ended up unclaimed at animal control. A friend heard about him and picked him up after his stray hold, then reached out to us.

Personality: Fit right in with hen pals Ezekiel and Wednesday. Loves protecting them. Won "Best Hair at Sage Mountain Sanctuary" this year.

Delhi

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Aug 1, 2024

Named after the city. Found wandering a farm neighborhood by a friend with no owner ever identified; worried about her fate, he reached out to us.

Personality: Loves exploring the sanctuary with the other hens, and napping in the shade of the bushes.

Abigail

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jul 26, 2021

Originally raised as a backyard hen. A coyote attack claimed the lives of the other hens, leaving Abigail the sole survivor. Her caretaker reached out so she could join a new chicken family.

Personality: Feisty, honed from defending her friends during the coyote attack, but friendly once at ease.

Sponsor Abigail

Rosaline

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Dec 20, 2022

Also goes by Grandma, Rosaline came to us with her 3 sisters after their caretaker passed away. Her sisters have since passed, but she's doing well and became close with Penelope.

Personality: Enjoys time with Penelope, expressing herself with the cutest chirps, and relaxing indoors.

Sponsor Rosaline

Ariana Grande

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Dec 14, 2025

Found on the side of the road with her brother Jeff, two tiny lives with an unknown past, bruised and frightened. A compassionate foster gave both siblings the safety and time they needed to heal.

Personality: Bonded closely with her brother Jeff after their rescue, curious, and adores snuggles.

Sponsor Ariana Grande

Ezekiel

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Aug 13, 2022

Raised in a dog run in someone's backyard to be eaten. When the family's health concerns forced them to give up her and her six siblings, Wasatch Wanderers reached out and we had space to take them in.

Personality: Enjoys dust bathing, napping in the sun, and getting attention from volunteers.

Sponsor Ezekiel

Wednesday

Rescue-versary: Aug 13, 2022

Rescued from a backyard dog run where she was being raised to be eaten. After health issues forced her previous family to give her up, Wasatch Wanderers took her in and brought her to Sage Mountain. She's needed surgery for a severe foot infection and has recovered well. She wears shoes now to protect her fragile feet, which she takes great pride in.

Personality: Preciously sweet, and receiving the best care we can give her.

Sponsor Wednesday

Hei Hei

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Sep 1, 2025

Hei Hei's story is one many rescued roosters share. His first family bought him as a chick from a farm store, where they were told he was a hen. As he grew, it became clear he was a rooster, and the zoning rules where they lived don't allow roosters. We had room at the time, so he came to Sage Mountain, and he's been home ever since.

Personality: Confident and observant, Hei Hei takes looking after his hens seriously. He keeps a watchful eye on everything happening around the flock, and Penelope is often found relaxing close by.

Sponsor Hei Hei

James Pond

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Jun 9, 2025

Abandoned, and ended up at the animal shelter in Salt Lake City. When our friends at Wasatch Wanderers heard about him, they picked him up and got in touch with us.

Personality: The leader of the flock. Always the first to guide the rest of the crew on an adventure, and a very curious boy.

Sponsor James Pond

Jane Goosal

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Nov 1, 2023

Found with 26 other geese at a freeway off-ramp in Ogden, crossing the road several times a day. They are a domesticated breed that can't fly, so they could never have supported themselves out there. Wasatch Wanderers rescued the flock, and we had room for six of them.

Personality: Spends her days roaming the sanctuary with Ryan Goosling, exploring, and keeping company with the rest of the geese.

Sponsor Jane Goosal

Geese Witherspoon

Needs a sponsor

Geese Witherspoon

Rescue-versary: Nov 18, 2023

Found with 26 other geese at a freeway off-ramp in Ogden, crossing the road several times a day. They are a domesticated breed that can't fly, so they could never have supported themselves out there. Wasatch Wanderers rescued the flock, and we had room for six of them.

Personality: Inseparable from her partner, Ryan Goosling. The two of them explore together and nap in the sun.

Sponsor Geese Witherspoon

Ryan Goosling

Needs a sponsor

Rescue-versary: Nov 18, 2023

Found with 26 other geese at a freeway off-ramp in Ogden, crossing the road several times a day. They are a domesticated breed that can't fly, so they could never have supported themselves out there. Wasatch Wanderers rescued the flock, and we had room for six of them.

Personality: Devoted to his partner, Geese Witherspoon. He'd do anything for her, and he's never shy about expressing how he feels.

Sponsor Ryan Goosling

Stephen Honking

Needs a sponsor

Stephen Honking

Rescue-versary: Nov 18, 2023

Found with 26 other geese at a freeway off-ramp in Ogden, crossing the road several times a day. They are a domesticated breed that can't fly, so they could never have supported themselves out there. Wasatch Wanderers rescued the flock, and we had room for six of them.

Personality: Takes his naps with the other geese, bathes in the water trough, and is the peace keeper of the geese.

Sponsor Stephen Honking