February
2001
The
Story of Franklin the Sheep
By Green Chimneys
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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.
