An increasing number of animal sanctuaries across the United States are promoting a new Thanksgiving tradition: adopting turkeys instead of cooking them for dinner. At the forefront of this initiative is the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, where turkeys like Gus enjoy a life of leisure rather than facing the fate of millions of their counterparts during the holiday season.
Gus, a turkey pardoned by the governor, has found refuge in the sanctuary, where he is pampered and cared for. Staff members interact with him daily, offering affection and attention. Lanette Cook, the education and engagement manager at Luvin Arms, engages with Gus, asking, “What do you think? Do you want to do snuggles today?” This interaction illustrates the sanctuary’s mission to provide a nurturing environment for these birds.
The concept of adopting a turkey, rather than consuming one, is gaining traction, with more families choosing to support the lifelong care of these animals. For a donation of $25, individuals receive a certificate, a photo, and the option for a virtual or in-person visit with their adopted turkey. Since launching this initiative in 2022, Luvin Arms has seen sponsorships double each year, with a target of raising $18,000 this holiday season, according to Kelly Nix, the sanctuary’s executive director.
The funds raised through this program contribute to essential needs such as extending outdoor pasture areas, feeding, and providing veterinary care. Rescued turkeys often require significant medical attention due to the complications arising from factory farming practices, which typically breed them for rapid growth. In the wild, turkeys have an average lifespan of three to four years, as noted by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Beyond financial support, Luvin Arms emphasizes the educational aspects of the program. It aims to raise awareness about the living conditions of turkeys in factory farms and to reshape perceptions of these animals. Nix states, “Even if it makes you stop and double think what it is you’re about to do, for us that’s a conversation starter.” This shift in mindset is crucial for promoting compassion towards animals.
The Farm Sanctuary, operating in New York and California, pioneered this type of turkey adoption program in 1986. Gene Baur, president and co-founder, recalls the initial confusion surrounding the concept of rescuing farm animals. Over the decades, the initiative has successfully rescued thousands of turkeys and garnered extensive public support, with donations sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single year.
Traditions often face scrutiny, and Baur reflects on this: “We grow up with certain traditions. But just because something is a tradition doesn’t mean that it needs to remain as a tradition.” The sentiment resonates with families like that of Lizzie Parra, who have been adopting turkeys since 2021. Her family, which follows a vegan lifestyle, utilizes the adoption program to advocate for compassionate choices during the holiday season. Parra notes, “This is just an opportunity for us to tell people that they can, at least for one meal, kind of make the same compassionate choice.”
In Michigan, the Barn Sanctuary has adopted a similar approach since 2023. Chase DeBack, the sanctuary’s advocacy, education, and engagement coordinator, highlights the importance of showcasing the distinct personalities of turkeys. He shares anecdotes about individual birds, emphasizing their affectionate nature and capacity for bonding with humans.
As the movement to adopt turkeys continues to grow, it offers a fresh perspective on the Thanksgiving holiday, encouraging families to rethink their traditions and consider the lives of these sentient beings. By choosing to adopt rather than eat, many are forging a path toward greater compassion and awareness in their holiday celebrations.
