Sanctuary where runaway farm animals live a great life in New Jersey

WANTAGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Spread out across 232 rolling acres in northern New Jersey is the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue which is home to dozens of animals.

Freddie, a 2-year-old Hereford steer is getting his hay and some attention.

Mike Stura is an animal rescuer and founder of Skylands. He was able to rescue Freddie about a year ago when he bolted from a slaughter house in Queens.

"He must have known something was bad there apparently, so he turned around and said, 'I got to get out of here,'" Stura said.

Video of him running through the streets was posted on Twitter.

NYPD officers were finally able to corral Freddie and keep him from being injured.

Stura then brought him to his farm.

"When he got here, what was he like?" Eyewitness News Reporter Tim Fleischer asked.

"He was a nervous wreck which was to be expected," Stura said.

Now about 800 pounds heavier, he leads a good life with other cows who were also rescued.

"He's much more confident now," Stura said.

Stura was set to also rescue the 900 pound bull that escaped Tuesday in Queens.

The bull later died after he was tranquilized.

"A sad ending. Nobody wanted it to go that way. The police didn't want it to go that way, no one did," Stura said.

Stura founded the sanctuary in 2015 which is home to cows, chickens, goats and of course Freddie.

"He's much more at home. Oh yes, he's happy. He's pretty chilled. He's a pretty laid back character," Stura said.

Freddie has found a good home at last.

For more information please visit: http://skylandssanctuary.org/