Sad And Blind Bison Finds Meaning In Life After Meeting A Kind And Caring Cow

She was ignored by the other animals for many years, and then she met Oliver.

May

• Published in Animal Stories
• December 26, 2021

A lot of animals have acquaintances. However, only a small percentage of them are able to create a deeper bond.

Animals who become friends are usually from one social group. While living in a group may have its advantages, it can also be stressful for them.

This is where friendship comes in. Just like us humans, even animals have a level of closeness in their social group.

Think of it as an onion with layers. At its core are the closest friends of the animal. The ones at the outer layers are less intimate with the creature.

According to experts, the core consists of five close friends. And this is applicable to all types of species.

The next layer consists of a group of 15. Finally, the widest totals about 50 friends.

The actions of the friends will vary on closeness. For example, the core friends will be able to give personal protection.

Then the outer circle can help the animal with food. Further outside the circle is a whole society that can defend against predators.

Sadly, some animals find it challenging to form even one close bond. This is Helen the bison's situation.

When she was taken to Oregon's Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, Helen was already blind and very shy. Because of her condition, the other animals tend to ignore her.

This went on for many years and it seemed that it's her fate to be alone in this world. Until she met Oliver the cow.

Rescued in 2016, Helen was sheltered in a sanctuary.

At the time, she was struggling to bond with other animals. The staff at the shelter became worried that she would die with a broken heart, all alone.

But the sad bison's destiny took a turn for the better.

Helen and Oliver were able to form a deep bond. It was a give-and-take relationship.

After forming such an amazing bond, Helen became stronger mentally. She is now showing great confidence, while Oliver found himself a caring nanny.

Betsy, Oliver's mom, knows about the situation.

Eventually, she finds herself dropping off her son at daycare. She roams the shelter while Helen keeps an eye on Oliver to make sure he's safe for the entire day.

Gwen, one of the staff at the shelter was amazed by the friendship between the two.

I catch them grooming each other which is amazing because I don’t think Helen has ever had that opportunity to express that motherly instinct before.

The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary provides a home for 200+ animals.

The team at the shelter takes care of horses, cows, sheep, goats, and pigs. Their mission is to rescue animals in need.

Another mission of the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary is to give hope to animals who feel sad and lonely.

They turn heartbreaking stories into hopeful ones, just like what happened to Helen. Under their shelter, they promise the animals they rescue to provide love, care, and the promise of companionship.

The team members also make it their goal to share different heartwarming stories about animals. Helen and Oliver's tale is one of them.

May