Allandale Farm loses second Highland steer following brother’s death last year

A well-known Highland steer who lived at Boston’s only working farm died this week, leaving a lasting impression on farm staff and visitors who knew him over the years.

Allandale Farm, a 130-acre farm in Jamaica Plain, announced that Curtis, a 16-year-old Highland steer, died peacefully in his paddock Tuesday night, surrounded by farm staff. His death comes less than a year after the passing of his bovine brother, Willard.

In a Facebook post announcing the news, the farm said Curtis “had a good end to a good life.”

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this beautiful being that brought so much joy and wonder to so many,” farm staff wrote. “He was a good, good boy and we will miss him terribly.”

Curtis arrived at Allandale Farm in early 2008 from John Lee’s family farm in Bridgewater, Vermont, along with his brother, Willard, who died in March. The two steers grew up at the farm and became familiar figures to visitors, known for their distinctive horns and gentle temperaments.

“They had little nubs for horns and were adorable and playful while even then exuding the serene calmness they carried throughout their adult lives,” staff wrote of the steers’ early days at the farm. “As they grew in size and horn length, so grew the magical space that they held and hold still for all of us, these improbable residents of our Jamaica Plain neighborhood.”

Condolences poured in following the announcement, with many well-wishers thanking Allandale Farm for giving the two steers a loving home for so many years.

“These two guys were a lifesaver when COVID hit, and we had a child under 2,” one woman wrote. “Several weekly stroller walks to visit Curtis and Willard got us out of the house while keeping a distance from others, and it was a welcome, happy outing at a time of great stress. Thank you for giving them such a loving home and for sharing them with us.”

Details regarding a celebration of life for Curtis will be announced at a later date. Members of the public are invited to share memories and photographs at allandalefarm.com/curtis.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.