This handsome Holstein steer joined the CC sanctuary in November 2022 from a family dairy farm in southern MN. Louie was born with an unknown neurological disorder and was unable to walk when he was first born. He needed to be physically lifted to his feet and helped to walk multiple times a day to build his strength.

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Then, one day, something just clicked… Louie began walking a little stronger each day, and today, you’d never know the struggles he faced early in life. 

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Time and time again, we were told that euthanasia was on the table for him, but we are so glad we never gave up on him. Louie has shown us just how incredible resilience and determination can be, and he truly is one of a kind. He brings so much joy and happiness to everyone who meets him, and we couldn’t imagine CC without him!

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A few of Louie’s favorite things are Apples and ANYONE who is willing to give him a little love and attention!

This sweet Jersey steer joined the CC Sanctuary in December 2023. Elmer was born on a dairy farm in Foley, Minnesota, and unfortunately, he faced some serious health challenges early in life. He suffered from a severe case of calf scours (diarrhea) along with a bad case of pneumonia.

There were many days when we worried Elmer might not make it through the night because of how sick he was. But with lots of love, care, and TLC from the CC crew, Elmer slowly began to recover,  after a while he transformed into the happy, vibrant boy we know and love today! 

These days, Elmer loves nothing more than playing with his best pal, Louie! The two are quite the pair and are always bringing smiles to our faces. And when it comes to food, Elmer’s favorite treat is tomatoes! 

We are so thankful Elmer got his chance to thrive and that we get to be part of his story. He is such a special boy, and we can’t imagine CC without him! 

Meet Pongo, a senior goat with a big heart and a love for the simple things in life! Pongo arrived here with his brother, Bandit, who sadly passed away in the winter of 2026 likely due to old age.

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The boys came from a very loving home in Embarrass, MN, where their family had to downsize and were looking for a place for Pongo to retire.

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These days, Pongo enjoys following his humans around the yard, soaking up all the attention, and getting scratches under his chin. Pongo very much LOVES lettuce and any type of bakery items.

Meet Nancy and Linda, two lovely ladies who made their way to the CC Sanctuary in the fall of 2026!

You may recognize these gals from Cook County Connections’ petting zoo in Cook, MN! Both Nancy and Linda are seniors who were ready for a quiet place to land and enjoy their golden years. After raising lots of little ones over the years, these mamas are officially off mom duty and ready for retirement. 

These days, you'll find them curious about visitors, getting used to a new life and soaking up the sun! And just like Pongo, their favorite food is lettuce.
 

Meet Bobo, our BIG piggy with an even bigger appetite!

Bobo arrived at the CC Sanctuary in the winter of 2023. He was originally purchased to be a house pig and live in town in Biwabik, MN. It didn’t take long for his humans to realize that life as a house pig wasn’t going to be a good fit, and Bobo needed a sanctuary where he could live out his life.

Bobo is a great reminder of why pigs aren’t the right fit as house pets. Pigs can grow VERY large, destructive, and eat A LOT! They have many needs to be met, and they are VERY intelligent animal. Bobo is also a very sweet guy! It is not hard to impress him, he is happy with ANYTHING edible.
 

Meet Lonnie and Frank, our inseparable brothers who have been part of the CC family since before the sanctuary was located in Ely!

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These two were originally listed on Craigslist as meat pigs in Grand Marais, but they found their way to Ely to live as pets instead. Born in 2019, Lonnie and Frank have known a life of love, care, and being spoiled from the very beginning!

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These boys are the definition of a bonded pair. You'll often see them snuggled up sleeping together at night or lounging side by side in the sunshine, they’re happiest when they’re together.

Opie is truly ONE OF A KIND! His squishy face is absolutely adorable, and while others might not agree at first, once you get to know him, you just can’t help but love him! 

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Opie arrived here in 2024 from Cook County Connections. He was originally purchased as a pet but was returned when his family realized he needed a busier lifestyle than they could provide. One day while casually visiting the farm we found out he was in need of a new spot and his face sold us, soon enough he was in the van loaded up and on his way to CC. 

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Opie knows all sorts of tricks, but one he’s especially known for is “sitting pretty”! He does a great job, as long as he’s focused and there’s food involved. 

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Opie is full of personality, charm, and a whole lot of love. We’re so happy he’s part of our crew!

Meet Fiona, our beautiful, mischievous girl with a big personality and a mind of her own.

Fiona arrived at the CC Sanctuary in 2023 from an overpopulated pig farm in Makinen, MN. She was just a little piglet when she arrived and quickly bonded with Bobo as he was just a piglet too!

While Bobo does just fine on his own, Fiona loves his company. You can often find her following him around the pasture or snuggling up beside him to soak up some sunshine. 

 Fiona is one of the NAUGHTIEST pigs on the farm! She's known for escaping through the fence to enjoy a little solo adventuring most days. Thankfully, she sticks around and eventually puts herself right back where she belongs.

Fiona is a Mangalitsa pig, a breed often raised for meat. Luckily, she escaped that fate and gets to enjoy her days being a spoiled hog.

Meet Leona, our sweet girl with one WILD rescue story!

Leona arrived at the CC Sanctuary in 2024 after an incredible journey that could have ended very differently. Like many pigs, Leona was on her way to be raised for meat when she decided to take a leap of faith, and actually LEAP! She jumped right off a livestock truck onto an interstate in Nevada. 

Thankfully, a very kind passerby pulled over, scooped her up, warmed her up, and drove her all the way to his home in Duluth, MN. Once he realized that this tiny piglet was going to grow into a pig weighing nearly 300 pounds, he knew she needed a safe place with room to grow. An indoor home just wasn't going to be the right fit, so he reached out to us!

Leona arrived at the sanctuary the very next day. With the temperatures below zero, she got to stay inside a home for a few weeks before eventually moving out to the pasture when the weather allowed. 

Since arriving, Leona has made fast friends with everyone and has shown us just how incredibly sweet she is. She's a total lovebug who enjoys belly rubs and baked goods.
Leona's story is a beautiful reminder of how one person's kindness can change an animal's entire life.

Meet Eleanor! This very big girl came to CC in the fall of 2023. She was originally supposed to be a 4-H project at a home in southern Minnesota, but her family quickly fell in love with her and knew they didn’t want her to end up in the butcher shop. They posted her on Facebook in hopes of finding her a safe place to call home, and that’s how Eleanor found her way here!

Eleanor is VERY MOODY,  Some days she’s happy and content, while other days she just wants to be left alone. She enjoys spending her days snoozing in the barn and hiding from the cold whenever she can but also comes running for the dinner bell.
We love Eleanor and all her big personality.