Spring is sprunging! News from the sanctuary – Spring 2026 Newsletter

March 17, 2026

March at the Sanctuary – The Latest News

Goodbye to Han Solo, a volunteer we love, two hens rescued, and spring volunteer days. #MeatOut is this Thursday, March 20!
As the days begin to warm and spring approaches, life at the sanctuary continues to be full of change — from new rescues joining the flock to meaningful volunteer contributions and important educational projects underway. Thank you for being part of this compassionate community.

Goodbye to Han Solo
Last month we said goodbye to Han Solo, one of the most spirited residents ever to call Herd & Flock home.
As a male born at a dairy, Han was destined to die within days of being born. Instead, a compassionate dairy worker intervened and brought him to a sanctuary, and eventually he made his way to Herd & Flock.
For the past six years, Han filled our pastures with personality and mischief. We are especially grateful that Han was able to live his life alongside his best friend, Finn. Their bond reminded us every day that cows form deep friendships and emotional connections.
While we miss Han dearly, we are thankful that he lived a life of safety, friendship, and care.

Han Solo

Volunteer Spotlight: Eileen

Eileen with Big Bird Rooster
When Eileen moved to Vacaville last year after retiring as a cardiac nurse, she reached out to see if she could volunteer at the sanctuary. She told us she has always loved animals and was hoping to find a meaningful way to help.
Now Eileen is a regular on Friday mornings, helping feed breakfast to our special-needs hens — chickens who are missing their top beaks and need extra care and hand feeding. Her patience and kindness make a huge difference for these birds, and we are grateful she chose to spend part of her retirement helping them thrive.
Thank you, Eileen, for bringing your compassion and dedication to Herd & Flock.
 

Click here to become a volunteer

 

Two Hens Rescued from Stockton Slaughterhouse
Nearly every month, Stockton Animal Save holds a vigil outside a slaughterhouse. During these vigils, two hens are released to the group and given the chance to begin a new life.
Last fall we were able to foster three hens who eventually moved to their permanent home at PreetiRang Sanctuary in Dixon. Most recently, two hens came to Herd & Flock and have now joined the Breezeway Buddies flock.
Please help us welcome Zoe and Midnight. We’re so glad these girls are safe.

Zoe & Midnight Hens

Education Station

Herd & Flock is stepping up our Education and Advocacy programming. Follow us on social media to see posts about how you can get involved in supporting animal welfare legislation. Also, the team has been hard at work creating new educational signage around the sanctuary explaining the realities of modern factory farming. Our hope is that visitors will pause, learn something new, and feel empowered to make more informed and compassionate choices when shopping for groceries. Education is a powerful tool for change, and we’re excited to share this new resource with our guests.

Rattlesnake Season Arrives Early
With the recent warm weather, ground squirrels have already emerged, which means the rattlesnakes are not far behind. We recently relocated our first rattlesnake of the season to a safe area further out on our property.
Relocation helps keep both our residents and visitors safe while also respecting the important role these native animals play in the ecosystem. Our team will continue monitoring the property throughout the season.

LEAP Program Updates
Our LEAP students (Leaders, Ethics, Animals, Planet) are entering the final three months of their program. We have discussed topics such as ocean pollution, overconsumption, workers at slaughterhouses, and misleading labeling of meat products. In addition, LEAP students have visited the UC Davis Raptor Center, conducted pigeon health checks, done a woodworking project, and helped prepare many vegan lunches.
In May, family and friends will attend a LEAP session so that the students can present what they’ve learned, take them on a tour, and cook them a delicious plant-based lunch.
 

Click here for information

 

Upcoming Events

Sanctuary Tours
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the sanctuary, meet our residents, and learn more about compassionate living. Tours and volunteer shifts are available throughout the month.
Click here to book a tour
MeatOut — THIS Friday, March 20
Since 1985, MeatOut has grown into one of the world’s largest annual grassroots campaigns encouraging people to remove meat (and more) from their plates.
This year, organizers encourage everyone to participate with a friend, a family member, coworker, or neighbor. Have you been hearing about a vegan restaurant but haven’t tried it yet? Now’s the perfect time.
Share what you eat and who joined you using #MeatOut.

How You Can Help

Volunteer: Chicken Hand Feeding
Join us once a week to help hand-feed our debeaked chicken friends who need extra care. Morning or evening shifts are available, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Volunteer Work Parties
  • Workshop Reorganization: Our workshop is getting a makeover with new storage shelves and bins.
  • Thistle Removal: Help us remove thistles and other weeds from pastures and visitor areas.
If you like organizing or getting your hands in the soil, we would love your help.
Click here to volunteer

 
Can’t volunteer right now? You can still help.
A donation today helps cover daily care—feed, bedding, and veterinary support—so every resident stays safe and healthy.

  Donate  

 
Thank you for being part of this compassionate community,
The Herd & Flock Sanctuary Team
Posted in Current Efforts