Meet Hansel and Gretel, two adorable calves who have just arrived at Edgar’s Mission Sanctuary in Victoria. Gretel was born with only three legs, which for many would have been a serious handicap but it proved to be her saving grace. Her indomitable spirit to rise against the odds touched the hearts of the farmer who, not wishing to see her killed, contacted Edgar’s Mission. Of course Gretel needed a buddy and fate brought her Hansel. Little Hansel, just a few hours old was always destined to be killed as male calves have very little commercial value but he got lucky as he too found his way to Edgar’s Mission.

The on-going costs for caring for these two babies will be significant as they will need a special formula to sustain them in their first critical months. Having not had access to their mothers’ milk their immune systems are weak. Hansel has already cheated death by surviving a disease which often claims the lives of young animals and Gretel is suffering from eye infections due to the heat, dust and flies. The two babies will also need their own paddock and shelter as three legged Gretel will never be strong enough to join the regular herd. Please help Edgar’s Mission Sanctuary care for these young calves by adding a donation to your next Cruelty Free Shop order.