Pennsbury Manor Celebrates Mini Cow's 1st Birthday

The historic site in Pennsylvania will host a party for its diminutive Hereford, Daphne, after the recent loss of its beloved black steer pair.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:37pm

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Pennsbury Manor, the historic summer home of William Penn in Falls, Pennsylvania, will celebrate the 1st birthday of its miniature Hereford cow, Lively Daffodil (nicknamed Daphne), on Saturday, April 4th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tiny, fluffy brown and white Daphne was acquired from a small farm that specializes in halter-training mini cows. The birthday party comes after the recent loss of the site's beloved pair of black steer, Michael and Roger, who had been together since calves and were euthanized after one passed away. Daphne's birthday celebration will feature blacksmithing demos, a singer performing 'Happy Birthday,' and free cupcakes for the first 100 visitors.

Why it matters

The birthday celebration for Daphne the mini cow is a joyful event for Pennsbury Manor after the recent tragic loss of its longtime bovine residents, Michael and Roger. The mini cow's diminutive size and role as an 'udderly adorable' attraction for visitors provides a lighthearted respite from the somber winter the historic site has endured.

The details

Daphne is a miniature Hereford cow, bred to be significantly smaller than a regular-sized Hereford. While full-grown Herefords can weigh over 1,000 pounds, Daphne is expected to max out at under 500 pounds. Her small size makes her easier to care for and feed at the historic site. Daphne was acquired from Havoc Hollow Farms in Prosperity, Pennsylvania, which specializes in halter-training mini cows to have good manners for public appearances.

  • Daphne's 1st birthday celebration will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • In mid-February 2026, Pennsbury Manor lost its beloved pair of black steer, Michael and Roger, who had been together since calves.

The players

Daphne

A miniature Hereford cow, nicknamed 'Lively Daffodil,' who was acquired by Pennsbury Manor and is celebrating her 1st birthday at the historic site.

Carole Cunliffe

The animal curator at Pennsbury Manor who oversees the care of the site's animals, including Daphne the mini cow.

Michael and Roger

A pair of beloved black steer that had been together since calves and resided at Pennsbury Manor, but recently passed away, leaving the site in a somber mood.

Havoc Hollow Farms

A small farm in Prosperity, Pennsylvania that specializes in breeding and halter-training miniature cows, including Daphne who was acquired from them by Pennsbury Manor.

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What they’re saying

“She won't even reach 500 pounds. Keeping her small is good for all purposes. Caring for her, the amount of feed, hay, things like that.”

— Carole Cunliffe, Animal Curator, Pennsbury Manor

“Mike and Roger did everything together. They were yoked together for 10 years. They walked together, lay down together, did everything together. When they came here to retire, it was like the yoke was still on them.”

— Carole Cunliffe, Animal Curator, Pennsbury Manor

What’s next

The birthday celebration for Daphne the mini cow on April 4th will provide a joyful and lighthearted event for Pennsbury Manor after the recent loss of its longtime bovine residents, Michael and Roger.

The takeaway

Daphne's diminutive size and role as an 'udderly adorable' attraction for visitors at Pennsbury Manor offers a heartwarming respite from the site's recent somber events, demonstrating how even the smallest creatures can bring healing and happiness to a community.