Our rescued herd
Every animal has a story.
At Blue Iris Farm, every animal in our care arrived from a difficult situation — neglect, abandonment, or circumstances beyond their control. Each one has healed, found their footing, and become part of our family. We invite you to meet them.
Sheep
Cotton Ball & Q-tip
Cotton Ball and Q-tip arrived in March 2025 after their owner passed away and caring neighbors stepped in to help. When they first came to Blue Iris Farm, they were extremely skittish and carried years of heavy, matted wool. Today, their transformation is complete. They eagerly sprint up to visitors and volunteers, always trying to get a head start on where treats and feed will land. Our agricultural science students regularly shear them and use their harvested wool to create felted artwork for our community displays. Cotton Ball and Q-tip have blossomed from neglected, timid sheep into inquisitive, gentle farm favorites who bring endless energy to our herd.
Rescued: March 2025
Sponsor Cotton Ball & Q-tip
Rabbits
Snowball & Therapy Bunnies
Snowball arrived at our farm during a severe snowstorm, left quietly on our doorstep. He quickly became a beloved ambassador for our Connections Program, spreading warmth and comfort to youth workshops, local senior centers, and convalescent homes. Having brought immense comfort to countless community members, Snowball has since retired into a wonderful forever home with a loving family. Blue Iris Farm permanently houses a rotating group of 7 to 10 rescue bunnies that continue this therapeutic mission. These gentle animals play a vital role in our educational programs, teaching children empathy, gentle handling, and animal stewardship through hands-on interaction and quiet companionship.
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Horses · Draft
Whimsical & Dream
Whimsical and Dream originally belonged to a loving home, but when their owner's health declined, they were surrendered to a work-horse operation in Vermont. Soon after, they were passed through the livestock auction circuit, arriving at our sanctuary critically ill and with severe, untreated injuries—Whim even suffered a debilitating leg injury that had gone ignored. After painstaking medical research and intensive care, our team successfully treated their life-threatening illnesses and rehabilitated their physical trauma. Today, Whimsical and Dream are thriving, fully restored to health, and enjoying a safe, permanent sanctuary for life. Their journey illustrates the vital importance of our mission: rescuing vulnerable draft animals from auction pipelines and giving them the peaceful retirement they truly deserve.
Sponsor Whimsical & DreamMore of the herd
Goats
Bucket & Pals
Bucket and his herd came to us from a severe neglect case. Many backyard setups involve well-meaning renters or owners who lack proper zoning, winter shelter, or financial resources, eventually abandoning their livestock during moves or evictions. While we require funding support for surrender cases driven by owner convenience, we prioritize our immediate rescue resources for animals in active distress. Without our intervention, Bucket and his companions faced being sent to livestock auctions and likely slaughter. Today, Bucket and his pals live safely at Blue Iris Farm, serving as a powerful educational example for visitors about the real responsibility, housing requirements, and long-term commitment required to raise goats properly.
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Donkey
Buckey
Buckey spent his early years in a loving, attentive home alongside his goat companion. When unexpected financial hardship and changing life circumstances arose, his previous owners acted responsibly by ensuring all required veterinary exams, vaccinations, and safe transport were fully arranged before surrendering him. Because they took these proper, responsible steps, we proudly welcomed this friendly, gentle donkey into our sanctuary family. Donkeys can live up to 50 years, making long-term sanctuary care a monumental commitment. Buckey now spends his days greeting farm visitors, socializing with our herd, and enjoying the security of a permanent, loving home where all his physical and social needs are met forever.
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Pig
Piglia
Piglia's journey began when she was abandoned on the UConn campus by a student who bought her as a novelty item, thinking having a pig on campus would be fun. Left behind as a tiny piglet no bigger than a shoe, she was rescued and brought to Blue Iris Farm. She quickly outgrew every expectation. Today, Piglia weighs over 300 pounds and is projected to reach an incredible 900 pounds—making her even larger than Iris, our farm's namesake Gloucestershire Old Spot pig who weighs 700 pounds! What started as a student's impulse decision transformed into one of our most beloved farm ambassadors. She delights field trip groups with her big personality and love for belly rubs, teaching visitors valuable lessons about responsible animal ownership.
Sponsor Piglia →Sponsor an animal in our care.
Your monthly sponsorship covers food, veterinary care, and shelter for one of our rescued animals. You'll receive updates, photos, and the knowledge that your support is making a real difference.