Jon Stewart, known for his brilliant hosting of The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015, has been making headlines for his sense of justice and his advocacy for causes such as the plight of 9/11 first responders. However, there is another cause that he is passionate about that few are aware of. Stewart is one of the few celebrities who owns a 12-acre farm in New Jersey, where abused animals are cared for.
Stewart and his wife, Tracey, purchased the farm in 2013 with the intention of establishing their own farm sanctuary and educational center. In 2015, they announced that their Bufflehead Farm property had legally become a Farm Sanctuary, which is an advocacy group that challenges the factory farm system, educates the public about animals, and provides a safe place for injured animals. The Stewarts’ farm is the fourth of its kind in the United States.
random but this photo of Jon Stewart and his wife with a cow on their farm sanctuary is just lovely @HockhocksonFarm ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s4K8fQByZd
— Sara Pearl (@skenigsberg) July 23, 2020
Since the farm opened its doors, many animals have sought refuge there, including two piglets named Anna and Maybelle, who were rescued from a swine factory after falling off a freight loader. The farm is also home to two guinea pigs, two fish, two hamsters, four dogs, and a parrot, all of whom were rescued. Cows, lambs, chickens, goats, turkeys, and pigs are due to arrive shortly.
Stewart admitted in an interview that he was never a big fan of animals until he met his wife Tracey, a former veterinary technician. Now, he and his wife are animal champions, with Tracey being a vegan and Jon providing both vegan and non-vegan diets for their children.
Stewart’s transition from hosting a television program to caring for animals has been a big change, but he seems to be getting used to it, with his wife by his side. He even refers to himself as his wife’s “wingman” and appears to be living the vegetarian lifestyle. Although he misses the trappings of TV celebrity, he enjoys farm life and encourages others to cling to their television careers.
Before retiring from The Daily Show, Stewart used his platform to educate millions about the widespread cruelty to animals. He has always been an animal lover, encouraging his Daily Show team to bring their dogs to work, and even creating a Facebook page for the Daily Show dogs.
Stewart has not criticized politicians or celebrities for their treatment of animals on his show, but his advocacy for animal welfare is well known. His farm sanctuary is a testament to his dedication to this cause and a safe haven for animals in need.