River

In January 2021, a rescue partner of Woodstock Sanctuary’s learned of a lamb in desperate need of a home. This lamb had just been born on a meat farm in New Jersey, where his twin brother died shortly after birth. Though the farm was willing to spare the lamb’s life, they wanted to keep his mother for production. We knew we couldn’t separate this special family. Thankfully, our rescue partner convinced them to liberate both mother and son together.

Baby River only a few days after rescue.

River and Lita enjoying their pasture before joining the main sheep herd.

River was so tiny and fragile when he arrived, but we knew Lita was an amazing mom from day one! Although River grew up fast, he is never far from his mother’s side. They will spend the rest of their lives together in sanctuary. River is now one of the largest sheep in the herd and, thanks to his sturdy shape, he even helped save a fellow sheep’s life! In 2024, Walt the sheep needed emergency surgery and River traveled to the hospital with him for a blood transfusion! He spends his days grazing alongside his friends…and sometimes headbutting as if he’s still a lamb!