Jasper on the left (Father) and Oleander on the right (Son) have had to survive different circumstances not once, not twice, but three times. These two were initially picked up from a stockyard in New Jersey in 2019. As they were being weighed for slaughter, the sanctuary owner of ‘Twist of Fate Animal Sanctuary’ brought them home, and eventually reunited them with another Zebu named Lilac, who was believed to be Oleander’s Mother.
In 2022, other sanctuaries near the ‘Twist of Fate’ property began feeling concerned when the owner began refusing them access to the grounds. Eventually, Caitlin, founder of Rancho Relaxo Sanctuary, intervened upon driving by and witnessing a horse wearing a blanket in the heat of July. Caitlin and others walked into a horrible scene of filth, surrounded by dying and already deceased animals. The pigs on the property had been forced to resort to chewing on the bones of the sheep they had been housed with that had succumbed to starvation to survive themselves. Horses with horribly overgrown feet had difficulty walking due to the pain and discomfort.
Jasper, Oleander, and Lilac had luckily been tucked away in a pasture that had enough foliage for them to eat and avoid the starvation that so many of their companions in other areas of the property were facing. The trio was adopted by a private adopter. In 2024, Lilac unfortunately passed away from cancer.
In January 2026, Critter Creek was contacted by Caitlin with Rancho Relaxo, who had been contacted by the private adopter who stated they could no longer care for the boys, and they were now at risk of death, again, if they could not find a new home. Caitlin agreed to temporarily foster the pair, but having her own sanctuary already with many residents, she was unable to commit to the lifetime of care they deserved. Critter Creek happily accepted them, and thanks to coordination with Steph at Last Chance Ranch, Jasper and Oleander were driven from New Jersey to Florida by Ashley with Hauling Hopes Animal Transportation Services in early February 2026.
Upon arrival, the boys’ personalities were apparent. Oleander, the white Zebu, is more confident and curious. His Father, Jasper, seems to feel safest behind his son and prefers to observe new situations from a distance. After a brief quarantine, the pair was smoothly integrated into their new herd, where they received fresh food and water daily. They have access to a large field with a pond and many friends!
A donation to Jasper and Oleander helps support their lifelong care and supports the mission, ensuring they will never face the uncertainty they have had to face multiple times now, ever again.
With a monthly or annual sponsorship, you will receive a digital and print certificate of “adoption,” quarterly email updates with exclusive photos, and an invitation to our exclusive sponsors-only virtual tour. In addition, your name will be displayed on Jasper and Oleander’s page, acknowledging you as their sponsor.