MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – If this story doesn’t mooove you… we don’t know what will.
This is the story of a rescue of a newborn calf, but it’s what happened after that is unexpected.
According to Marion County Fire Recue (MCFR), a man and his son approached Station 6 with an “urgent plea” for help on Sunday, stating that a newborn calf was trapped in a swamp. They said the calf’s mother died giving birth.
“Without hesitation, Station 6 units ventured into the swamp to save the helpless calf,” MCFR shared in a Facebook post. “The calf was safely rescued and returned to the warmth of Station 6.”
Turns out one of the fire captains has a farm.
In the follow-up with the farmer, the St. Johns River Management District connected MCFR Capt. Justin McKinney and the farmer who then donated the calf to the captain.
MCFR’s Station 6 crew named the newborn Maybelle and took turns feeding her throughout the night.
MCFR says Maybelle has now moved to her forever home with Justin and his family, where she will be “cherished and adored.”
“This story isn’t just about a rescue; it’s about community, kindness, and the incredible bond between firefighters and the lives they touch, both human and animal,” commented MCFR in the post.