Romeo, a 6ft 4.5in tall American steer, has recently been crowned the world’s tallest living animal of his kind by Guinness World Records. Rescued by Misty and Robert Moore of Welcome Home Animal Sanctuary in Oregon at just 10 days old, Romeo has grown significantly over the past six years. He consumes a daily diet of 100lbs of hay, 15lbs of grain, and a bathtub full of water to maintain his impressive height.
The Moores shared that Romeo’s size sheds light on the harsh realities faced by male calves in the dairy industry, who are often deemed as byproducts and destined for slaughter. However, Romeo’s fate took a different turn as the sanctuary provided him with a life filled with safety, compassion, and love. His affectionate nature and intelligence have endeared him to those around him, and he enjoys activities like cuddling with humans and exploring the sanctuary’s pasture.
However, caring for a steer of Romeo’s size presents challenges, including financial strain and difficulties finding appropriate veterinary care. Despite potential health issues in the future, Romeo has exceeded the typical lifespan of his kind, giving the Moores the opportunity to submit him for a Guinness World Record. The gentle giant has become a symbol of resilience and compassion in the face of the harsh realities of the dairy industry, capturing the hearts of those around him with his playful and affectionate nature.
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Photo credit amp.theguardian.com
