This is a story about a fugitive cow named Cincinnati Freedom. If there was a Brave Cow Award, she would definitely qualify. In February, 2002 just moments before she was going to be slaughtered, she took matters into her own hooves and scaled a 6 foot tall fence and made a run for it. She managed to elude police and officials from the SPCA for eleven days. The media got wind of the famous escape and news spread around the whole world. News outlets from Canada, England, France, Germany and Australia touted her bravary , her courage and her determination to live. She was offered the key to the city by ,then Mayor Luken.
As a result of her notoriety , an internationally renowned artist , Peter Max "adopted" her. The 2000 pound Charolais was housed in an animal sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y. She made many bovine friends at the farm and lived a relatively contented life until a short time ago when she became unable to use her legs and was diagnosed with spinal cancer. There was no hope of recovery so the decision was made to euthanize her.
During her last hours, her closest pals, other slaughterhouse escapees, Queenie from Queens,N.Y. Maxine from New York and Annie Dodge from Vermont, along with the rest of the herd stayed with her and surrounded her during the night. One of the oldest steers, Kevin, licked her face and Iris, an older female, licked her back in her final minutes. They remained with her until she was buried.
She found life to be so easy at the sanctuary that she had gained about 500 pounds during her stay there. Nevertheless,up until her sudden illness she could clear a 5-foot fence from a stand still. "It was an amazing thing to see," her keeper said. She was considered quite a celebrity and had many visitors. Coston said she understands why people wanted to visit "Cinci".
"She symbolized the will to live, to enjoy life and not be messed with. We can relate to that."
R.I.P. Cinci !
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