Primarily known for being one of the most recognized TV show hosts and comedians of our time, Jon Stewart has recently become… an animal hero. That’s right, he can now also be known for rescuing and sheltering abused animals. Jon and his wife, Tracey Stewart, already turned their 12-acre farm into the New Jersey branch of Farm Sanctuary. Then, in October 2016, they bought another farm – Hockhockson Farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
They actually decided to buy the sprawling 45-acre farm just to create this animal sanctuary. When the state finally gave them the green light to turn the farm area into an animal rescue and education center it brought tears to Tracey’s eyes. The application process took a lot longer than expected because many local residents complained about noise and traffic in the area. But in the end, their motive behind saving animals got the vote of approval from the community.
“It’s one of those things like where after you give birth you forget about the pain,” Tracey told NJ Advance Media upon testifying in front of the town’s planning board. “So right now I’m feeling really good and positive.”
Among the first animals to take up residence at their farm are two piglets, named Anna and Maybelle who were rescued from a swine factory when they fell off the cargo loader during transfer; two goats; a bull; loads of more pigs; and many other animals!
The duo loves animals so much that Tracey has even written a book titled: “Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better,” which focuses on living respectfully with many animals, like dogs, goats, and spiders.
Tracey has been vegan for a very long time. Jon, however, used to consume meat quite regularly. Tracey wrote in her book: “While I don’t eat animals, my husband does, and due to our mixed marriage, we have decided to present both diets to the kids and let them come to their own decision about how and what they want to eat.” But now even that has changed as Jon has turned vegetarian, something that surprised Tracey quite a bit. She said: “I know! It’s recent! It’s all happening! He’s nervous about saying it publicly because he doesn’t want to mess up. But he really is trying to figure out what vegetarian foods he likes, and I’m helping him with that. I’ll say to him, ‘Oh, you’re my new, sexy vegetarian boyfriend. Do you want to go to the vegan restaurant for lunch?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah!'”
Ever since Jon retired from The Daily Show, he has dedicated most of his time to caring for abused and neglected animals. As for now, the farm is still in its “nascent stage,” meaning it is not yet open to the public. Regardless, even though because it’s not open to the general public yet doesn’t mean the Stewarts haven’t been helping animals. If you’re interested in keeping up with farm life at Hockhockson Farm you can follow The Daily Squeal, which Tracey Stewart regularly updates with photos of rescued farm animals.