Mothers
come in all shapes, sizes and species,
yet when it comes to their babies,
we are the same in all the ways that matter.
Love, patience, affection, protection - these are traits that all mothers share, from humans to farmed animals. Yet for the latter, sadly these strong bonds are broken all too frequently due to outdated practices and laws and an uninformed public, impacting millions of animals every year.
Please pledge to have a kind Mother’s Day today and you’ll help to spread kindness across species, because a mother’s love most certainly does.
You’ll also get a free Recipe eBook and a downloadable Mother’s Day card for kids of all ages to colour in - AND you’ll go in the draw to win a hamper for your Mum*!
Please pledge to have a kind Mother’s Day today and you’ll help to spread kindness across species, because a mother’s love most certainly does.
You’ll also get a free Recipe eBook and a downloadable Mother’s Day card for kids of all ages to colour in - AND you’ll go in the draw to win a hamper for your Mum*!
Meet Our Doting Mums
Something to Hide: The Story of Clarabelle and Valentine
During her time on a dairy farm, each of Clarabelle’s babies had been taken from her shortly after birth so that her milk could be taken for human consumption.
At the age of eight, when her milk production had waned and she was deemed no longer productive, Clarabelle was slated for slaughter. This is the usual fate of dairy cows, despite their longevity being around 20 years. And to make matters more tragic, Clarabelle was carrying another baby. But then kindness found her and brought her to safety at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary.
One day her behaviour told us that something was amiss, although her baby was not expected for another week. Further investigation revealed that her precious little calf had indeed been born, and Clarabelle had carefully hidden her baby in the tall grassy stand of the paddock. She was determined this one would be ‘hers’.
Clarabelle’s baby was discovered on Valentine’s Day, and was aptly named Valentine in honour of the love between mother cows and their babies. Six years on, Clarabelle can still be seen grooming her sweet daughter, and their bond is stronger than ever.
At the age of eight, when her milk production had waned and she was deemed no longer productive, Clarabelle was slated for slaughter. This is the usual fate of dairy cows, despite their longevity being around 20 years. And to make matters more tragic, Clarabelle was carrying another baby. But then kindness found her and brought her to safety at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary.
One day her behaviour told us that something was amiss, although her baby was not expected for another week. Further investigation revealed that her precious little calf had indeed been born, and Clarabelle had carefully hidden her baby in the tall grassy stand of the paddock. She was determined this one would be ‘hers’.
Clarabelle’s baby was discovered on Valentine’s Day, and was aptly named Valentine in honour of the love between mother cows and their babies. Six years on, Clarabelle can still be seen grooming her sweet daughter, and their bond is stronger than ever.
Clarabelle & Valentine
The ex dairy cow who hid her baby to keep her safe.
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A Christmas Miracle: The Story of Carol and Her Babies
As the festive season sped towards its climax, a pregnant sow gave birth to seven little piglets. Sadly, only three would survive.
The cold, wet and wind-swept concrete of the pound yard made it a barren place, a place that provided no material for Carol to build the extravagant nest her every being was telling to build. Expectant mother pigs go to great and creative lengths, collecting sticks, twigs and branches to fashion a nest to safely birth their babies in.
Despite her fear, Carol remained gentle as she followed the crate of her surviving babies into the vehicle that would take them to their forever home, and the soft golden straw-filled barn that awaited. Her sweet songs of joy as she was reunited with her piglets ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the manger.
We could not help but wonder, looking into her intelligent eyes, what made her determine her escape from the farm in which she had been held? Perhaps it was the thought of her babies being taken away from her as all her previous ones had; perhaps she dreamed something better lay ahead.
What we do know is that Carol, Cookie, Candy and Kris Kringle found sanctuary at Edgar’s Mission together, just in time for Christmas.
The cold, wet and wind-swept concrete of the pound yard made it a barren place, a place that provided no material for Carol to build the extravagant nest her every being was telling to build. Expectant mother pigs go to great and creative lengths, collecting sticks, twigs and branches to fashion a nest to safely birth their babies in.
Despite her fear, Carol remained gentle as she followed the crate of her surviving babies into the vehicle that would take them to their forever home, and the soft golden straw-filled barn that awaited. Her sweet songs of joy as she was reunited with her piglets ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the manger.
We could not help but wonder, looking into her intelligent eyes, what made her determine her escape from the farm in which she had been held? Perhaps it was the thought of her babies being taken away from her as all her previous ones had; perhaps she dreamed something better lay ahead.
What we do know is that Carol, Cookie, Candy and Kris Kringle found sanctuary at Edgar’s Mission together, just in time for Christmas.
Carol & Her Babies
A mother’s harrowing journey with the happiest of endings.
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A Reunion to Remember: The Story of Alicia and Harry
When a tiny lamb arrived at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary, his life was hanging in the balance.
Weak, bloated and crying in pain, it was soon discovered that little Harry had a life-threatening congenital condition. Rushed to the vet for emergency surgery, the operation was risky, but the brave lamb beat the odds and pulled through. As Harry recovered, we couldn't help but wonder about his mother. We knew we had to save Harry's mum and reunite her with her baby. Soon Harry's mum Alicia was Edgar's Mission-bound, frightened with the uncertainty of her new surroundings.
When Alicia arrived, Harry was not due back from the vet clinic for a few more days. Concerned that Alicia's milk supply would dry up, she was introduced to some other rescued lambs to see if she'd let them nurse. But she got scared and moved away when they approached her. Then good news came: Harry could come home earlier than expected - that afternoon in fact. A surprise reunion was imminent.
Placing a terrified Alicia in our nursery, we wondered whether Alicia would recognise her baby after spending so many days apart from him. Had Harry lost his familiar scent after his vet visit? But as soon as Alicia saw Harry, it was clear that their bond remained strong. The mother sheep walked straight up to her baby, tugging hard on the lead that was holding her. Gently ushering the lamb towards his mum, Harry looked at Alicia’s face and then went searching for her udder. Alicia was stunned, looking from Harry to her rescuers and back again. From that moment on, they were inseparable once again.
Five years on, Harry has fully recovered and has blossomed into a tall and handsome sheep who greets visitors to the sanctuary with gusto. And always by his side, bahh-ing her happy hellos and accepting pats and snacks, is his devoted mum Alicia.
Weak, bloated and crying in pain, it was soon discovered that little Harry had a life-threatening congenital condition. Rushed to the vet for emergency surgery, the operation was risky, but the brave lamb beat the odds and pulled through. As Harry recovered, we couldn't help but wonder about his mother. We knew we had to save Harry's mum and reunite her with her baby. Soon Harry's mum Alicia was Edgar's Mission-bound, frightened with the uncertainty of her new surroundings.
When Alicia arrived, Harry was not due back from the vet clinic for a few more days. Concerned that Alicia's milk supply would dry up, she was introduced to some other rescued lambs to see if she'd let them nurse. But she got scared and moved away when they approached her. Then good news came: Harry could come home earlier than expected - that afternoon in fact. A surprise reunion was imminent.
Placing a terrified Alicia in our nursery, we wondered whether Alicia would recognise her baby after spending so many days apart from him. Had Harry lost his familiar scent after his vet visit? But as soon as Alicia saw Harry, it was clear that their bond remained strong. The mother sheep walked straight up to her baby, tugging hard on the lead that was holding her. Gently ushering the lamb towards his mum, Harry looked at Alicia’s face and then went searching for her udder. Alicia was stunned, looking from Harry to her rescuers and back again. From that moment on, they were inseparable once again.
Five years on, Harry has fully recovered and has blossomed into a tall and handsome sheep who greets visitors to the sanctuary with gusto. And always by his side, bahh-ing her happy hellos and accepting pats and snacks, is his devoted mum Alicia.
Alicia & Harry
A mother torn from her baby, and their beautiful reunion.
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The Truth Behind...
Photo Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / Animal Equality
The Truth Behind Dairy
Like many, we grew up with the romantic notion that dairy products were wholesome and good, and indeed they are if you are a baby calf.
Cows do not simply produce milk; they are mammals and will only produce milk for their babies. Once born, the dairy industry dictates the babies are soon taken away from their mothers and the milk intended for the babies is taken for human consumption.
The males, who will never produce milk, are considered waste products and are killed, many in the first week of their life. Females may enter into the dairy cycle, and small or non-commercial heifers meet the same fate as the males.
Cows do not simply produce milk; they are mammals and will only produce milk for their babies. Once born, the dairy industry dictates the babies are soon taken away from their mothers and the milk intended for the babies is taken for human consumption.
The males, who will never produce milk, are considered waste products and are killed, many in the first week of their life. Females may enter into the dairy cycle, and small or non-commercial heifers meet the same fate as the males.
Cows have an ancient knowing, a wisdom beyond their form. Animal behaviourist Dr Temple Grandin has said that the fear memories of cattle can never be deleted.
The kindly dairy farm worker (from where Clarabelle came) shared that the cows remembered which vehicle came and took their baby away shortly after birth. Other passing vehicles would get no reaction, until the one vehicle that took their baby would return. At this point, the cows would become nervous, anxious and edgy, looking for the babies they would never see again.
If you love dairy products and don’t believe you can find an alternative, please remember this - mother cows love their babies many times more.
The kindly dairy farm worker (from where Clarabelle came) shared that the cows remembered which vehicle came and took their baby away shortly after birth. Other passing vehicles would get no reaction, until the one vehicle that took their baby would return. At this point, the cows would become nervous, anxious and edgy, looking for the babies they would never see again.
If you love dairy products and don’t believe you can find an alternative, please remember this - mother cows love their babies many times more.
Please help us create a kinder world for farmed animals by making the Mother’s Day pledge today.
Dairy Milk Alternatives
Thankfully, there is an abundance of milk alternatives to choose from these days which can be found in your local supermarket - or you can even try making your own!
• Soy Milk
• Rice Milk
• Oat Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Almond Milk
• Cashew Milk
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
• Soy Milk
• Rice Milk
• Oat Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Almond Milk
• Cashew Milk
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
Dairy
Dairy
Photo Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / Essere Animali
The Truth Behind Bacon
Did you know pigs are thought to be smarter than some dogs? They have engaging personalities, enjoy good food and the sun, seek out companionship, love their babies and desperately try to protect their own lives.
Yet in Australia, pigs are not protected from acts of cruelty as are our beloved dogs and cats. This is simply because society has determined a different “use” for them.
Female pigs in factory farms are treated as breeding machines, enduring a cycle of suffering and deprivation. Each year, thousands of pregnant pigs are kept in tiny metal individual ‘sow stalls’ inside sheds. Kept continually pregnant and severely confined, they are forced to stand or lie on hard floors. It is these animals who produce the piglets destined to become bacon, ham and pork products.
As a result, these gentle and intelligent creatures develop physical and psychological problems that see them “worn out” before their time. They are then sent to slaughter.
Yet in Australia, pigs are not protected from acts of cruelty as are our beloved dogs and cats. This is simply because society has determined a different “use” for them.
Female pigs in factory farms are treated as breeding machines, enduring a cycle of suffering and deprivation. Each year, thousands of pregnant pigs are kept in tiny metal individual ‘sow stalls’ inside sheds. Kept continually pregnant and severely confined, they are forced to stand or lie on hard floors. It is these animals who produce the piglets destined to become bacon, ham and pork products.
As a result, these gentle and intelligent creatures develop physical and psychological problems that see them “worn out” before their time. They are then sent to slaughter.
Sows are extremely maternal and they will spend many hours making a nest for their piglets. But sadly in factory farming mother pigs have nearly all of their natural instincts frustrated. Just prior to giving birth they are moved to ‘farrowing crates’, an even smaller area where their body is encircled by metal bars to even further limit their movement. With no straw for bedding, mother pigs must give birth to their piglets on a hard floor.
Nurturing and interacting with her young is impossible as the metal frame imprisons her. Her young are removed after 3 or 4 weeks - an earlier age than would occur naturally - and she is impregnated again, and the cycle of suffering and deprivation continues.
Nurturing and interacting with her young is impossible as the metal frame imprisons her. Her young are removed after 3 or 4 weeks - an earlier age than would occur naturally - and she is impregnated again, and the cycle of suffering and deprivation continues.
Please help us create a kinder world for farmed animals by making the Mother’s Day pledge today.
Protein Alternatives
Protein can be found in a range of plant based sources - after all, that’s where herbivorous animals like gorillas get their muscles and strength from!
Whole food sources
Add spices and seasoning to these nutritious offerings to pack a healthy protein punch:
• Tofu, tempeh, seitan and TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas
• Quinoa
• Nuts and Seeds
Fake it to make it
Craving the meat taste? Some popular fake meat brands which are easily sourced from supermarkets these days include:
• Fry’s
• Gardein
• Linda McCartney
• Tofurky
• Vegie Delights
• The Alternative Meat Co.
• Beyond Meat
• Funky Fields
• Unreal Co.
• Veef
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
Whole food sources
Add spices and seasoning to these nutritious offerings to pack a healthy protein punch:
• Tofu, tempeh, seitan and TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas
• Quinoa
• Nuts and Seeds
Fake it to make it
Craving the meat taste? Some popular fake meat brands which are easily sourced from supermarkets these days include:
• Fry’s
• Gardein
• Linda McCartney
• Tofurky
• Vegie Delights
• The Alternative Meat Co.
• Beyond Meat
• Funky Fields
• Unreal Co.
• Veef
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
Bacon
Bacon
Photo Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
The Truth Behind Lamb Roast
Like humans, it is widely proven that mother sheep and goats bond immediately with their newborns. They also know the individual odour of their own babies.
Far from mindless followers, sheep are highly social with sophisticated emotional skills that can recognise human and animal faces. Research increasingly suggests that sheep can form images in their brain of absent individuals (such as their babies) when they are not visible, just as humans would think about a friend or family member that they miss.
Far from mindless followers, sheep are highly social with sophisticated emotional skills that can recognise human and animal faces. Research increasingly suggests that sheep can form images in their brain of absent individuals (such as their babies) when they are not visible, just as humans would think about a friend or family member that they miss.
In Australia alone, often born in the most inhospitable conditions of winter, an estimated 15 million lambs die annually due to exposure and other preventable causes. Adequate shelter can greatly prevent this, but sadly this is not a legal requirement in Australia.
Please help us create a kinder world for farmed animals by making the Mother’s Day pledge today.
Protein Alternatives
Protein can be found in a range of plant based sources - after all, that’s where herbivorous animals like gorillas get their muscles and strength from!
Whole food sources
Add spices and seasoning to these nutritious offerings to pack a healthy protein punch:
• Tofu, tempeh, seitan and TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas
• Quinoa
• Nuts and Seeds
Fake it to make it
Craving the meat taste? Some popular fake meat brands which are easily sourced from supermarkets these days include:
• Fry’s
• Gardein
• Linda McCartney
• Tofurky
• Vegie Delights
• The Alternative Meat Co.
• Beyond Meat
• Funky Fields
• Unreal Co.
• Veef
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
Whole food sources
Add spices and seasoning to these nutritious offerings to pack a healthy protein punch:
• Tofu, tempeh, seitan and TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas
• Quinoa
• Nuts and Seeds
Fake it to make it
Craving the meat taste? Some popular fake meat brands which are easily sourced from supermarkets these days include:
• Fry’s
• Gardein
• Linda McCartney
• Tofurky
• Vegie Delights
• The Alternative Meat Co.
• Beyond Meat
• Funky Fields
• Unreal Co.
• Veef
For more ideas and support, check out the Vegan Easy Challenge or VegKit.
Lamb
Lamb
Kind Recipes
Looking for Mother’s Day inspiration for breakfast in bed, brunch or even a fancy dinner?
These delicious plant-based recipes are guaranteed to elevate you to favourite child status!
For more recipes, make the pledge and get a free Mother’s Day Recipe eBook!
You can also check out VegKit for more meal ideas and tips.
These delicious plant-based recipes are guaranteed to elevate you to favourite child status!
For more recipes, make the pledge and get a free Mother’s Day Recipe eBook!
You can also check out VegKit for more meal ideas and tips.
Kind Gift Guide
From sponsoring a rescued animal to hampers and ethical products, this is your complete guide to gifts that give twice.
Learn MoreMother’s Day Kind Gift Guide
Spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day and help create a kinder world for animals in the process! From gift boxes, vegan recipe ideas and gifts of kindness, here are our top ways to give kind this Mother’s Day:
Sponsor a rescued animal
Edgar’s Mission have Best Buddies you can sponsor who each have a unique story. A beautiful postal pack can be sent to your Mum with the animal’s profile, and they will get updates on how they are doing.
Give a Gift of Kindness
From hay and bottle donations for rescued animals to contributions to Edgar’s Mission’s medical fighting fund, you can donate a Gift of Kindness on behalf of your Mum. A lovely postal pack can be sent to her with more information.
Buy her an ethical gift
From homewares to books, clothing to accessories, the Edgar’s Mission Shop features ethically made products with every dollar raised going to the animals.
Food and wine hampers
Give your Mum a taste of how delicious vegan food can be with a gift hamper from the Vegan Grocery Store. The Cocoa Luxe hamper is divine! For the wine lover, Goodwill Wines offer high quality wines with 50% of profits going to charity.
Kind cosmetics and toiletries
Choose Cruelty Free has an accredited list of companies selling cosmetics and toiletries that do not test on animals. Nourished Life also has over 100 Vegan Certified products that you can buy online!
Cook something special
From breakfast in bed to scrumptious dinners, you’ll find delicious plant-based recipes in the free Mother’s Day Recipe eBook you receive when you pledge to have a kind Mother’s Day. Or check out VegKit for more meal ideas and tips.
Treat her to a meal
Don’t have the time or inclination to cook? There are over 6,000 veg-friendly cafes and restaurants in Australia, so you have the perfect excuse to eat out! Find your local in Vegan Easy’s Eating Out Guide.
Random acts of kindness
It’s the simple things that counts! Mow your Mum’s lawn, wash her car, walk her dog, or give her a compliment. Or you could you could volunteer together to help your favourite charity.
Make The Pledge To Be Kind To
All Mothers!
You'll get:
a free Recipe eBook
a printable Mother’s Day card to colour in
the chance to win a Hamper for your Mum!
0
PLEDGES
and counting
