December 8, 2025
At Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), we know that stories have the power to connect people to animals in a meaningful way. Each month, we feature one of our sanctuary partners and highlight an animal whose life has been transformed by rescue, care, and compassion. This month, we’re thrilled to share the story of Wesley and Dorothy — two beloved Khaki Campbell ducks who now live safely at Herbivorous Acres.
Wesley, Dorothy, and their close friend Rupert are part of the original group of five ducks rescued by Herbivorous Acres back in 2019. They have lived together ever since, forming a tight little family that rarely leaves each other’s side. As Marie DuCharme, their caregiver at Herbivorous Acres, shared, “It’s impossible to get a photo of them alone. They move together everywhere — like a little duck trio.” Their bond is one of the most charming things about them, and it shows just how much animals value family and friendship. Rupert has already been profiled on our blog so this story will feature his friends Wesley and Dorothy.
How Wesley and Dorothy Found Safety
Wesley and Dorothy came from a heartbreaking situation in Scandia, Minnesota. They had been purchased as “pets” by people who didn’t realize they were bringing home domestic ducks — birds who cannot fly south for the winter and need long-term care. When the weather started to get cold in late 2019, a family member threatened to kill them if they weren’t removed right away. Herbivorous Acres stepped in just in time.
“We were very relieved we could take them,” Marie told us. “They were days away from a cruel fate.” All five ducks — Wesley, Dorothy, and the three other females they lovingly called the “Golden Girls” (Rose, Blanche, and Sophia) — were brought to the sanctuary just before winter set in. Although three of the Golden Girls have since passed, Wesley and Dorothy remain together and continue to thrive thanks to the safety and stability Herbivorous Acres provides.
Meet Wesley: A Loyal, Gentle Leader
Wesley, the drake with the dark green-brown head, is calm, private, and deeply loyal to his little flock. His favorite part of each day is simply being near Dorothy and Rupert. While he’s not as outgoing as Dorothy, he still shares in the important job of protecting their little group.
“He’s more outgoing than Rupert, but still a private gentleman,” Marie said. “He likes his duck family more than humans — and we respect that.”
Wesley and Rupert take turns watching over Dorothy, but Wesley usually steps into the lead role. His personality shows how each animal at the sanctuary has their own preferences, feelings, and way of navigating the world.
Meet Dorothy: The Confident “Leading Lady”
Dorothy, the all-brown hen, is the boldest and most talkative of the trio. She’s always the first to step forward for snacks, treats, and attention — even if the boys hang back at first.
“She’s our leading lady,” Marie shared. “I always hear her first. She keeps the boys in line and makes sure everything runs smoothly.”
Dorothy arrived at the sanctuary with her three sisters, but now spends her days with Wesley and Rupert. While sometimes a group with more males than females can lead to challenges, these three have created a peaceful and loving family that works beautifully.
What Life Looks Like for These Rescued Ducks
Today, Wesley and Dorothy are six years old and enjoying the peaceful life all animals deserve. Even during Minnesota winters, they stay active and comfortable thanks to the thick coats of feathers nature gave them. They only retreat to their connected coop on extremely cold days. Most of the time, you’ll find them exploring their outdoor space.
Their favorite foods include leafy greens — especially kale. They also get special seasonal treats, like pumpkin stuffed with peas. Marie laughed while describing their Halloween snack: “They were unsure at first, but once they had some privacy, they ate every last pea and most of the pumpkin.”
In warmer months, one of Marie’s favorite sounds is hearing the ducks splash joyfully in their little pool. They also love puddles, and their caregivers often make a few extra for them on cleaning days.
Even though they’ve lived at Herbivorous Acres for more than five years, Wesley and Rupert remain shy around humans. Dorothy is braver, but still cautious. They prefer their quiet family time, and the sanctuary honors that. “Our mission is to respect their personalities and their needs,” Marie said. “They’re our ‘fiercely private’ family members, and that’s just who they are.”
Why Sanctuary Partnerships Matter
CAA is proud to partner with Herbivorous Acres, a sanctuary that gives rescued farmed animals the safe, comfortable lives they deserve. Their team works every day to provide care that respects each animal as an individual with thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
Stories like Wesley and Dorothy’s remind us why compassionate living matters. These ducks were once in danger simply because someone didn’t understand their needs. Today, they are loved, safe, and free to enjoy life — thanks to people who cared enough to help.
As Herbivorous Acres beautifully put it, “Every rescued animal has their own story and their own personality. Our job is to give them the life they should have had all along.”
What Herbivorous Acres Does for Rescued Animals
Herbivorous Acres, a nonprofit sanctuary, is dedicated to rescuing farmed animals from cruelty and neglect. They offer a permanent, loving home for animals who have endured the hardships of factory farming. Currently, the sanctuary is home to 20 animals, including goats, pigs, ducks, hens, roosters, and even a cow. The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a safe space for these animals to live out their lives with peace and dignity, while also raising awareness about the importance of compassionate treatment for farmed animals.
Herbivorous Acres’ efforts extend beyond just caring for animals. Their goal is to shift how society views farmed animals, encouraging people to see them as sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion. The sanctuary aims to inspire change by leading through example, showing that peace begins on your plate.
Herbivorous Acres operates a little differently from other sanctuaries, focusing on a smaller number of residents to ensure each animal receives the highest level of care. Without a volunteer program in place yet and with one dedicated individual managing both daily animal care and operations, capacity is currently limited — but with hopes to expand in the future!
Other Residents of Herbivorous Acres
Wesley and Dorothy aren’t the only animals whose lives have been transformed by Herbivorous Acres. The sanctuary is home to other animals, each with their own story of rescue and renewal. Some of the sanctuary’s other beloved residents include:
Cornelius and Dennis, the roosters
These animals, like Olivia, have found safety and care at Herbivorous Acres, where they can live free from the fear and suffering of factory farming.
Our Partner Farm Sanctuaries
Herbivorous Acres is just one of several farm sanctuaries in the region doing incredible work to protect farmed animals. Other sanctuaries such as Chicken Run Rescue, Farmaste, Soulspace, and Spring Farm (no longer in business) are also dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for animals in need. Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) regularly highlights these sanctuaries and their residents, celebrating the lives they’ve saved and the impact they’re making. Every month, CAA features a sanctuary resident in their blog and newsletter, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of these amazing animals.
Check our blog page regularly and sign up for our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss any of the endearing stories of residents of local sanctuaries.
Connect With Compassionate Action for Animals
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) hosts many events throughout the year, including Twin Cities Veg Fest, Vegan Recipe Club, cooking classes, potlucks, outreach events, and so much more! CAA’s work includes outreach events, educational initiatives, and activities that help build community around plant-based living and animal advocacy. To stay informed about upcoming events and new sanctuary residents, follow CAA on social media or visit their website. Follow Compassionate Action for Animals on TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Online
