08/07/2026
Not even going to lie I ChatGPT this paragraph because I don’t have the mental capacity to even write this on my own right now.
Another heartbreaking day at Rocca Ranch. 💔
The past few days, baby Eli just hadn’t been acting like himself. This morning, when we went out to check on everyone, he began showing symptoms that were eerily similar to what we saw with Jenny.
We rushed him to our primary veterinarian, where they immediately told us his vitals were dangerously elevated and that he needed emergency care at LSU. After their preliminary testing, the doctors were extremely concerned about his neurological function. They told us they weren’t sure he would make it through the weekend.
After a lot of tears and one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make, we chose to let him go peacefully. We also made the decision to have a necropsy (autopsy) performed in hopes of finally getting some answers—not just for Eli, but for Jenny too, and for the rest of our herd.
Our hearts are shattered. Losing one is devastating. Losing another with such similar symptoms is beyond heartbreaking. We are praying that the necropsy gives us some direction so we can do everything possible to protect the animals still in our care.
Please keep Rocca Ranch in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate yet another unimaginable loss. Hug your animals a little tighter tonight for us. ❤️
