Potbelly Manor Welcomes Newest Addition

North Kingstown’s no-kill rescue farm just added a new member to its eclectic family.

The staff at welcomed a baby bull this month, aptly named Sir Wickford. The baby cow was born on Apr. 6 in Connecticut and brought to the farm only three days later. According to Potbelly’s Audrey Agli, Sir Wickford will live a much different life than most bulls.

“If we didn’t save him, he most likely would’ve gone to slaughter,” said Agli.

Agli and Liz Smith, who run the farm, initially wanted to find a female cow to replace their old cow Bette Davis, who passed away in December. The two women took Bette in 12 years ago when the cow was only a few months old.  After Bette’s veterinarian told Agli that most bulls are brought to slaughter within 24 hours of birth, Agli decided to seek out a baby bull in need.

“We wanted to rescue him,” said Agli. “We wanted him to have a good life.”

Like Bette, Sir Wickford is also an Ayrshire and, according to Agli, has a very similar personality to the departed Bette. Though the little bull is only about 50 pounds now, he’s expected to grow to anywhere between 1,000 and 1,700 pounds.

The farm has high hopes for their newest addition, and look to make him one of its stars. Agli hopes to train Sir Wickford to become a therapy cow for those with special needs and to educate others. Currently, a little potbelly pig named Ariel is the farm’s workhorse (no pun intended), visiting schools and community centers around the region.

Potbelly Manor is seeking volunteers who know how to care for cows and are familiar with halter training. Contact Potbelly Manor at 295-4241