Meet Romeo: 6-foot-4 bull recognized as world's tallest by Guinness

The Guinness World Records (GWR) recently announced that Romeo, a 6-year-old Holstein steer, has been officially recognised as the world's tallest. Residing at Welcome Home Animal Sanctuary in Oregon, Romeo stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 4.5 inches. This towering stature surpasses the previous record holder, Tommy, by more than 3 inches. Steers, which are neutered bull calves primarily raised for beef in countries like the US, are generally not known for reaching such heights.

Meet Romeo, the world's tallest steer at a height of 1.94 metres (6 ft 4.5 in) ✨

Romeo is a 6-year-old Holstein steer who lives at Welcome Home Animal Sanctuary with his human, Misty Moore. pic.twitter.com/MZqCB7fkgM

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) May 22, 2024

A Gentle Giant

Despite his imposing size, Romeo is affectionately described by his owner, Misty Moore, as a "gentle giant" and a "big softie." The GWR celebrated Romeo's record with a tweet, sharing a video that showcases his impressive height and gentle nature. According to the GWR, Romeo has a particular fondness for apples and bananas. His daily diet includes a substantial 100 pounds (45kg) of hay, along with additional grain and treats. His size necessitates special accommodations, such as taller shelters and specialised transportation.

From Dairy Farm to Sanctuary

Romeo's journey to the sanctuary began at just 10 days old, when he was rescued from a dairy farm where he was destined for a veal crate. Misty Moore recounted the rescue, stating, "We received a call from someone who had saved him from the harsh reality of a dairy farm. In the dairy industry, male calves like Romeo are often seen as byproducts, their destinies predetermined by profit margins." Recognising Romeo's longing for a fulfilled life, the sanctuary welcomed him "with open arms and boundless love."

Symbol of Hope and Resilience

Romeo has become a symbol of resilience and hope at the sanctuary. Moore explained that his name reflects his deep affinity for love, combined with his striking handsomeness, intelligence, and sensitivity. However, caring for a steer of Romeo's size comes with unique challenges. Regular animal hospitals often lack the equipment to handle him, making emergency care difficult. To meet his needs, the sanctuary frequently engages in creative fundraising efforts to cover the costs of his hefty grocery bill.

Challenges and Commitment

Managing Romeo's care requires dedication and resources. Misty Moore highlighted the financial strain, noting, "We're always watching our pennies and getting creative with fundraisers to cover Romeo's hefty grocery bill." Despite these challenges, the sanctuary remains committed to providing Romeo with a life filled with safety, compassion, and unwavering affection.

Romeo's story is a testament to the impact of compassionate rescue efforts and the extraordinary measures taken by animal sanctuaries to ensure the well-being of their residents.