Yvonne, a three-year-old cow, was a runaway cow in Germany that sparked a lot of response from the news in 2011. She jumped the fence of a holding pen shortly before being picked up to be slaughtered. After escaping she was placed on a police force watch list and reward poster for her capture, although she did not give up a fight for three long months. Through her long journey of running many cow activists and other supporters were enthralled with her perseverance and self will to not go back to her life of packaged meat.
She quickly found a forest to hide in while the police were doing everything on their power to locate her. The forest was lined by crops of corn and a small river was nearby. Yvonne found the perfect spot of solitude to rest from the helicopters, hunters, and officials.During this time the police put out a formal reward alert for 10,000 euros and shoot on spot mission for hunters. The police fully believed she was a danger while Yvonne peacefully settled into the woods for night’s sleep away from her usual farm rails.
Shortly after Yvonne settled into her new shaded wooden palace the police detected her from a helicopter with thermal imaging. In attempts to not scare her into another hiding place they started a mission to coax her out. The first attempt was using her calf, Friesi, which had been taken for her shortly after birth to be shipped to another farm. Even with all the love she had for her calf and longing to be with her Yvonne was not ready to be captured. This was corroborated by an animal psychic brought to the scene to read Yvonne’s emotions.
Police’s last effort to draw her out came in the size large, a bull named Ernst stated to be the most handsome and desirable mate. The farming community stated he was “the George Clooney of bulls.” The farmer gently pruning Ernest’s face to look the best he can, like a mom before her kid leaves for a date. Even with his deep moo’s echoing through the trees Yvonne was far from interested in the handsome mate-able man. Yvonne had already found her happiness in freedom.
The story of Yvonne had not only touched the public as they had been cheering for her battle. It also touched the heart of a sanctuary that assisted in her capture. Gut Aiderbichl, a local sanctuary determined to assist animals in need that were intended for slaughter, neglected, or abandoned. They saw the desire for Yvonne to run from her slaughter farm and offered to pay to take her from the Police. Hoping that this new home would give her the same comfort and joy her patch of woods did and have hands to assist her if needed. To ensure her new home as a safe space they bought her calf Friesi, her sister Waltraud and her sister’s calf too.
The police were beginning to give up hope in coaxing her out but while they pondered Yvonne left her post. Even with all the loved ones given to her she wanted to find someone to talk to. She roamed awhile before settling on some cows on a nearby farm to tell her story. Little did she know the farmer spotted her and called in a capture team. Police surrounded her slowly and began the process of taking her down. Yvonne put up a fight like no other, kicking, jumping, and pulling. But the fight ended as she was lassoed and put in a trailer. The world watched this moment, tearing up at Yvonne losing her moment of independence. The activists and even unknowing civilians rose from everywhere to fight for her freedom.
The Story of Yvonne - Series
6.5” x 8” (x6)
Acrylic, Ink on Paper
2023