Make This Thanksgiving Extra Special by Supporting Rescued Turkeys, Promoting Animal Welfare, and Celebrating with a Heart Full of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving, give thanks in the most heartfelt way—by adopting a turkey instead of serving one! Sanctuaries across the U.S., like Farm Sanctuary, offer “Adopt a Turkey“ programs, where you can support these feathered friends and show your holiday spirit with compassion. It’s a fun, meaningful way to celebrate and spark conversations about kindness and animal welfare during this season of gratitude
Visiting a turkey rescue sanctuary during the Thanksgiving holiday offers a compassionate alternative to traditional celebrations, allowing individuals to connect with these intelligent and social birds. Several sanctuaries across the United States welcome visitors during this season. Here are some notable ones:
1. Farm Sanctuary
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- Locations: Watkins Glen, New York; Acton, California
- About: Established in 1986, Farm Sanctuary pioneered animal rescue and advocacy. Their “Adopt a Turkey” project encourages people to sponsor a turkey instead of consuming one during Thanksgiving.
- Thanksgiving Events: Farm Sanctuary often hosts events like the “Celebration for the Turkeys,” where rescued turkeys are honored and fed a feast of their favorite foods. These events typically occur around Thanksgiving, but it is advisable to check their official website for specific dates and availability.
2. The Gentle Barn
- Location: Santa Clarita, California
- About: The Gentle Barn rescues and rehabilitates abused animals, providing them a haven. It also offers programs to help people connect with animals and promote kindness
- Thanksgiving Events: They host an annual “Hug a Turkey” event, allowing visitors to interact with turkeys and learn about their personalities. This event is usually held on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are required, and details can be found on their website.
3. Animal Place
- Location: Grass Valley, California
- About: Founded in 1989, Animal Place is one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the U.S. It provides refuge to hundreds of animals and advocates for veganism.
- Thanksgiving Events: Animal Place offers turkey adoption programs and may host events during Thanksgiving. For the most current information, consult their official website or contact them directly.
4. Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary
- Location: San Luis Obispo, California
- About: Happy Hen is one of the largest farm animal sanctuaries in California. It provides a home to animals in need and advocates for their welfare.
- Thanksgiving Events: They have organized high-profile rescues and may offer events during the holiday season. Visit their website for the latest updates.
5. Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary
- Location: Poughquag, New York
- About: Safe Haven provides a lifelong home to farm animals rescued from abuse or neglect and aims to educate the public about their plight.
- Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary
- Thanksgiving Events: They have rescued turkeys and may host events during Thanksgiving. Check their website for event announcements.
Visiting Tips:
- Reservations: Many sanctuaries require reservations, especially during the holiday season.
- Operating Hours: Check each sanctuary’s website or contact them directly to confirm operating hours and event schedules during Thanksgiving.
- Donations: Consider supporting these sanctuaries through donations or by participating in their adoption programs.
Adopt a Turkey Online!
While there isn’t a specific organization named the “National Adopt a Turkey Foundation,” several animal sanctuaries and advocacy groups in the United States offer “Adopt a Turkey” programs, especially around Thanksgiving. These initiatives allow individuals to symbolically adopt a turkey, supporting the care of rescued birds and promoting awareness about animal welfare. Notable organizations include:
- Farm Sanctuary: Established in 1986, Farm Sanctuary‘s “Adopt a Turkey Project“ encourages people to sponsor a turkey instead of consuming one during Thanksgiving. This program supports the sanctuary’s rescue, education, and advocacy efforts.
- Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries: Based in the UK, Goodheart offers a turkey adoption box celebrating their rescued turkeys, Colin and Susan. Adoptions help fund the ongoing care of these birds and support the sanctuary’s broader mission.
- Dean Farm Trust: This UK-based sanctuary rescues turkeys and other farm animals and provides them with a safe and caring environment. It offers opportunities for individuals to support its work through donations and sponsorships.
Did you know?
You might not know that turkeys have distinct personalities and can form strong bonds with humans and other animals. Some sanctuaries report that rescued turkeys enjoy human affection, often seeking out pets and cuddles, and they even respond to their names when called. By adopting a turkey, you’re not just supporting its care—you’re helping to highlight its individuality and intelligence, changing the narrative around these often misunderstood animals.
A little history:
Turkeys are native to North America and have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Wild turkeys, ancestors of today’s domesticated birds, were first domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America around 2,000 years ago. They played a significant role in the culture, diet, and traditions of Native American tribes, often symbolizing abundance and fertility.
When European settlers arrived in the Americas, turkeys were introduced to Europe, where they quickly became a culinary favorite. Their prominence in the United States as a Thanksgiving staple began in the 19th century, popularized by stories like Sarah Josepha Hale’s campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
Despite their association with the holiday feast, turkeys remain a fascinating and intelligent species with a complex history intertwined with human culture.
