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Ellie Mae Farm Sanctuary

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Blackberry

Blackberry came to us in November of 2019. Her original owner was retiring from farming and was looking for a forever home for Blackberry since he did not want to see her go to slaughter. We were more than happy to provide Blackberry a safe and loving home to live out the rest of her natural life. Blackberry is 8 years old and has had many calves who were taken away from her. We attempted to get the farmer to also surrender Blackberry’s daughter and granddaughter to us but were not successful. Blackberry’s favorite food is sweet feed and she loves to sunbathe.

Zee

Zee is Ellie Mae’s first and only calf. She was born on September 16, 2018 (the day before Mackenzie’s birthday), while Mackenzie was interning at a farm sanctuary. Mackenzie’s friends at the sanctuary gave her the nickname “Zee” so it felt like a fitting name for Ellie’s new baby after the experience she had there.

Baby Zee is the most outgoing and curious little girl. She has the biggest heart and is extremely playful. She is a picky eater and loves to cuddle with her best friend Billy.

Ellie Mae

Ellie Mae was originally born at the University of Connecticut in 2016 as H864D. Mackenzie met her when she was 3 months old when she had to “train” Ellie for her Animal Science course. At the end of the class assignment Ellie Mae was sent to auction. Mackenzie knew she had to do something to save Ellie, so she attempted to win Ellie during the auction, but unfortunately was outbid by a farmer. For the next three years, Billy and Mackenzie would visit Ellie every weekend and eventually the farmer agreed to let them have Ellie Mae. On May 31, 2019 she came home to live at the sanctuary. Ellie’s favorite food is apples and she loves back rubs.

Rich Ruffee

Board Member

Rich is an accomplished Lawyer and is Sr. Vice President, Claims and Chief Counsel at HCC Global. He received his B.A. from Boston College and J.D. from Villanova Law School. He has always had a strong love for all animals and has two companion dogs, Maggie and Ruby. Rich has been a board member from day one and his experience is extremely valued. He also happens to be married to Mackenzie’s beautiful mother!

Elise Ouellette

Board member & Secretary

Elise has experience in animal rights activism and educating others on the importance of compassion toward animals. She received a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She has participated in multiple forms of activism, including peaceful protest, fundraising, and volunteering at rescue organizations. Her professional career is in graphic design and production management, and is knowledgeable in design and marketing. Elise’s best friend is her handsome cat, Mowgli. She has been involved with the sanctuary since the very start.

Billy Graydus

Vice President & Founder

Billy has always loved animals and grew up surrounded by farm animals on his Mommom’s farm in PA. He is currently a student at Central Connecticut State University, working to obtain his bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. Billy has been involved in the administrative functions and managing the IT needs of the organization since its inception. He is knowledgeable in financial planning, programming, and fundraising. He has experience volunteering with local nonprofits as well as previous work with an emergency response team. He enjoys cooking delicious vegan food and is best friends with Zee.

Mackenzie Sullivan

President & Founder

Mackenzie has been an animal lover her entire life. She was surrounded with companion animals of all shapes and sizes at a young age and fell in love with farmed animals. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2018 where she studied Animal Science and Psychology. It was here where she met Ellie Mae, the beautiful cow who would change her entire life. Shortly after graduating she began working to develop Ellie Mae Farm Sanctuary. Mackenzie currently works as a Veterinary Assistant. She spends most of her time with her furry friends eating delicious vegan food and drinking iced coffee.