Big Bertha (cow) facts for kids

Big Bertha (born March 17, 1945 – died December 31, 1993) was a famous cow from Ireland. She became well-known for holding two special Guinness World Records. She was the oldest cow ever recorded, living for almost 49 years! She also set a record for having the most calves in her lifetime, giving birth to 39 babies. During her long life, Big Bertha helped raise a lot of money, about $75,000, for important causes like cancer research and other charities.

Big Bertha's Life Story

Big Bertha was born in Ireland on St Patrick's Day, March 17, 1945. She was either a Droimeann cow, which is a native Irish breed, or a Friesian. A farmer named Jerome O'Leary bought her at a cattle fair. She lived on his farm near the town of Sneem in County Kerry, located in southwest Ireland.

Big Bertha became a local celebrity because of her amazing achievements. She held two Guinness World Records. She was the oldest cow ever recorded, living until she was nearly 49 years old. She also had the record for having the most calves, with 39 babies born during her lifetime. However, by 2006, these specific record categories were no longer listed in the Guinness World Records book.

Because she was so famous, Big Bertha often appeared at cattle fairs. These appearances helped raise a lot of money for charities, including cancer research. She even led the St Patrick's Day parade in Sneem to help with fundraising efforts. After she passed away on New Year's Eve in 1993, a special gathering called a wake was held for her in a local pub in County Kerry. At the time of her death, farmer O'Leary still had some of Big Bertha's children in his herd, with the oldest one being 35 years old.

After her death, Big Bertha was preserved using a method called taxidermy. Today, you can find her at a farm in Beaufort, also in County Kerry.