A mother would typically do anything to protect her baby. This is also true when it comes to a rescued dairy cow named Clarabelle.
Edgar’s Mission is a beautiful farm sanctuary in Victoria, Australia that has 153 acres of land for the animals they rescue. Clarabelle the cow is lucky to call the peaceful place her home – but it wasn’t always that way.
She’s a cow with a heartbreaking past.
The organization saved Clarabelle from a dairy farm where she was about to be slaughtered for low milk production. It was just in time too, as she was only hours away from meeting the dark fate.
What volunteers didn’t know at the time is that the cow was pregnant, which they discovered after getting her back to the sanctuary. Turns out, Clarabelle had given birth before, but she always had the calf taken from her.
About a week before she was expected to give birth, rescuers noticed Clarabelle wasn’t acting like herself.
Typically she’s a cow that would be eager for mealtime. However, on that particular day, she stayed back. She walked on the grounds instead, seeming apprehensive.
They decided to look into what was going on.
Clarabelle’s behavior was peculiar enough for some investigating. It seemed like the cow might be hiding a “secret” on the property, so they began searching around.
Eventually, the truth was discovered.
When the rescuers looked out into the field they didn’t see anything unusual. So, they searched a little deeper on the property – and eventually, they found Clarabelle’s precious baby hidden underneath some tall grass.
Interestingly though, it didn’t appear that the cow had given birth that day. The calf was dry and clean, meaning Clarabelle had been caring for the baby and purposely keeping her out of sight.
Clarabelle had been hiding the baby for a couple of days.
Since she was used to having farmers take her babies, it’s believed that mama Clarabelle was fearful it would happen again. So, she hid the calf to keep it safe and for herself.
According to The Dodo, cows have “deep maternal instincts.” They’re also known for having excellent memories too. The Jersey cow had already experienced what it was like to lose babies in the past – but this time, she had the chance to try and protect her little one.
On the PETA website, they share some fascinating information about cows.
“These gentle giants mourn the deaths of and even separation from those they love, sometimes shedding tears over their loss. The mother/calf bond is particularly strong, and there are countless reports of mother cows who continue to call and search frantically for their babies after the calves have been taken away…”
Clarabelle didn’t have to worry that someone would take her baby away any longer.
The calf adorably was named Valentine, as she was discovered hidden in the grass on Valentine’s Day. And unlike many other calves – she wasn’t going to be kept from her mother.
In the video, the rescuer says:
“No one’s ever gonna take Valentine away from her mama.”
Valentine’s name was also given to her for another special reason. It’s meant to honor the heartwarming love between cows and their baby calves.
Thank goodness there are kind people on this earth who help rescue animals in need. Check out Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary website to learn more about their incredible organization.
Also, be sure to watch their video below called “Finding Valentine!”
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