Cincinnati Freedom facts for kids
Cincinnati Freedom was a famous cow who became known for her amazing escape from a meat processing plant in 2002. Born around 1995, this large Charolais cow weighed about 1,050 pounds. She was also sometimes called Charlene Moo-ken, a playful name inspired by Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken.
On February 15, 2002, Cincinnati Freedom leaped over a six-foot fence at Ken Meyers Meats in Camp Washington, Cincinnati, and ran away. For 11 days, she managed to avoid capture. Officials from the SPCA and police officers tried to catch her with traps and tranquilizer darts. Finally, just after midnight on February 26, she was caught in Clifton, Ohio.
After her capture, Cincinnati Freedom found a new home. She spent the rest of her life at Farm Sanctuary's New York Shelter in Watkins Glen, New York. She became very popular there, especially with people who care deeply about animals and their rights.
Finding a Forever Home
After Cincinnati Freedom's daring escape, many people felt she should not be sent back to a meat processing plant. Finding a permanent home for her became a big discussion.
The Cincinnati Zoo was considered, but they decided not to take her. They were worried about her health and whether they could keep her safely contained. A woman from Northern Kentucky, Jan Malley, who owned a 12-acre farm, was also thought of as a possible home.
In late March, something exciting happened. A famous artist named Peter Max offered a large donation. He offered $180,000 worth of his paintings to the SPCA for their next auction. In return, he took responsibility for the cow. He gave her the name "Cincinnati Freedom" to celebrate her brave journey to freedom and to honor the city where she escaped.
Life After Escape
Cincinnati Freedom became quite a celebrity. She even received the key to the city of Cincinnati! There were plans for her to join the Cincinnati Reds Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on April 1, 2002. However, she was judged to be too nervous and jumpy to participate safely.
On April 11, 2002, Cincinnati Freedom arrived at her permanent home at Farm Sanctuary's New York Shelter. She lived a happy life there and made many friends. One of her special friends was Queenie, another cow who had also escaped from a meat processing plant in Queens, New York, in 2000.
Later Life and Legacy
In 2008, Cincinnati Freedom became ill. She developed spinal cancer, a serious condition that could not be cured or treated in cows. Sadly, she was humanely put to sleep on December 29, 2008.
Cincinnati Freedom's story touched many hearts. She became a symbol of freedom and inspired many animal lovers and activists around the world.
