In Memoriam: Rescued bull Marius
03-06-2026We have sad news. Last Saturday, May 30, our beloved rescued bull Marius passed away at the age of 16 at Santuario Vegan in Madrid, Spain. Marius was part of our adoption program.
Our beloved rescued bull Marius passed away at the age of 16 | Picture: Santuario Vegan
Marius’ caregivers informed us that they found him lifeless during their morning rounds on Saturday. Marius had been struggling with mobility issues that had gradually worsened over time. In recent months, he found it increasingly difficult to get up. Sometimes he would remain lying completely on his side, which is dangerous for a bull weighing more than 1,000 kilograms. With the help of volunteers, he was usually able to get back on his feet. These problems stemmed from an old foot injury.
In his final days, Marius was no longer able to stand up on his own. For this reason, he was moved to a quieter, more comfortable area with plenty of grass, where he received all the care and rest he needed. He continued to eat and drink and was lovingly cared for by the animal caretakers of Santuario Vegan until his very last moment. The high temperatures of recent days made his situation even more challenging.
Santuario Vegan
Marius arrived at Santuario Vegan in 2015 following a confiscation. He had been living in appalling conditions in the courtyard of a country house in Huelva. He was tied up with a rope less than one meter long and had barely any access to food. His situation came to light after local residents alerted the authorities. Among several living animals, a dismembered horse was also found on the property.
When Marius arrived at Santuario Vegan, he was severely weakened. Despite his imposing appearance, all of his bones were visible due to malnutrition. For nearly a year, he received intensive care, nutritious food, hay, apples, and all the time he needed to regain his strength and build relationships with other cows and bulls. Eventually, he joined a herd of cattle and became its leader. Bulls Manuel and Javi, and cows Antonia, Ruth, Mónica, and Elena will miss him dearly.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
A gentle leader
Marius was the calmest member of the herd. With his impressive thick horns and dignified presence in the pasture, he radiated strength. He shared a special bond with Ruth and was visibly proud and protective of her. He absolutely loved apples and enjoyed burying his head in the hay, then using his horns to cover his back with the fragrant straw.
Marius and part of his herd. Standing to his right is Ruth, a cow rescued from the bullfighting industry | Picture: CAS International
CAS and Marius
CAS International first met Marius at Santuario Vegan shortly after his arrival. We met him for the first time in 2015, and that same year he became part of our adoption program. Our campaigner Estefanía Pampín Zuidmeer remembers Marius:
“Marius was impressively large on the outside, but incredibly gentle on the inside. He was kind, sensitive, and unbelievably noble. And he had a huge obsession with apples: if you held one in your hand, it would disappear in no time. Over the past eleven years, we visited him at least five times and each time saw how content he was with his life at the sanctuary. Every time we saw him, he seemed to have grown even bigger. Yet despite his imposing appearance and enormous horns, he always approached us calmly, cautiously, and with curiosity.”
Our former director, Marius Kolff, and Marius the bull | Picture: CAS International
Maite van Gerwen, Director of CAS International:
“Marius was an imposing yet peaceful presence. I am very grateful to have met him in the paradise where he lived alongside the other animals in his herd. I wish every bull and cow a life like the one he had, and I hope that one day this will become reality for all of them. I would like to thank the caregivers at Santuario Vegan for their loving care and dedication.”
Maite and Marius, 2023 | Picture: CAS International
With great sadness, we now have to say goodbye to Marius, with tears in our eyes and countless warm memories in our hearts. We have followed his eleven years at Santuario Vegan with joy and admiration. He touched us deeply and inspired us enormously.
The animals in our adoption program are at the heart of our motivation to continue fighting against bullfighting. Every animal deserves a life of peace, safety, and dignity. The life that Marius was fortunately able to experience.
Rest in peace, dear giant Marius.
CAS International visiting Marius in 2023 | Picture: CAS International
P.S. Marius’ adopters will receive a personal message regarding his passing.
