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February 2001
The Story of Franklin the Sheep

By Green Chimneys

 

Commuters were in for a surprise as they drove down Franklin Delano Roosevelt Drive on a sunny morning last June. Bolting down the expressway, a stressed out little white Cheviot lamb was on the run. After a 40-minute chase covering 50 blocks with an ASPCA enforcement agent, New York City police officers and pedestrians in hot pursuit, the runaway sheep was finally lassoed and transported to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for some much needed rest and treatment.

Following a medical examination, which proved that he was infested with parasites and had a respiratory infection, ASPCA officials stated that they believed the spunky little lamb was a slaughterhouse escapee finding his way to freedom. According to ASPCA agent Tina Salaks, who helped contain the lamb, “It is not an unusual condition for animals in illegal slaughterhouses. They are kept in terrible conditions and when one escapes, no one comes forward to claim it.”

Today Franklin, named for his romp on FDR Drive, enjoys a daily routine of eating fresh hay, grazing on green grass and spending his time with the 150 students of Green Chimneys School, many of whom have come from the same neighborhood where Franklin was found. According to Paul Kupchok, Farm and Wildlife Conservation Center director at Green Chimneys, “Animals like Franklin, who come to us with a history of neglect, are warmly welcomed by the children. When we get the opportunity to help animals whom they see as being needy, it makes our kids really shine by giving them a purpose in life.”

It would amaze most people to know that many of the farm animals at Green Chimneys have come from New York City. Whenever the ASPCA or the CACC (Center for Animal Care and Control) come across animals other than dogs or cats they usually give Green Chimneys a call. Over the years, Green Chimneys has accepted goats, sheep, pigs, cows and an assortment of wild animals including Peregrine falcons, kestrels, owls, deer and an alligator. Many of these animals have been abandoned or unwanted or come from abusive situations. Some of these animals are just reaching out to a new habitat and run into trouble adjusting to city life.

When those animals arrive at Green Chimneys they come into many reaching arms. The children who live at the agency have themselves understood the trouble you can get into adjusting to city life. They are children that are getting a second chance and they feel very good about giving these animals a second chance. Although it’s not clear where Franklin came from, it is clear that he needed a safe place to recover and thrive. Like the rest of the animals and children at Green Chimneys, Franklin will be healed by the children, and the children will be healed by Franklin and the other animals.

Green Chimneys
was founded in 1947 as a residential school and promotes the therapeutic bond between troubled children and rescued animals. To learn about their public programs or to volunteer, call (718) 892-6810 or visit www.greenchimneys.org. Also, see “Green Chimneys: Making the World a Better Place” by its founder Samuel Ross in Satya, June 2000.


 


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