An initiative gaining momentum in the United States encourages families to adopt turkeys rather than consume them during the Thanksgiving holiday. Across various animal sanctuaries, including the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, individuals can sponsor turkeys and contribute to their lifelong care. This shift aims to raise awareness about the treatment of turkeys in factory farms while promoting a more compassionate approach to the holiday.
At Luvin Arms, located approximately 25 miles north of Denver, a turkey named Gus has become a symbol of this movement. Gus was pardoned by the governor and has been living at the sanctuary since 2023. During Thanksgiving week, he enjoys a life filled with affection from staff members, who frequently stop to interact with him. According to Kelly Nix, executive director of Luvin Arms, the sanctuary has seen a significant increase in turkey adoptions since launching their program in 2022. Donations of $25 provide sponsors with a certificate, a photo, and either a virtual or in-person visit with their adopted turkey.
The program has resonated with the public, doubling its sponsorship numbers each year. This year, Luvin Arms is on track to reach its goal of $18,000, which funds outdoor pasture expansion, feeding, and veterinary care for the turkeys. Many of these birds arrive with medical complications due to the inhumane breeding practices in factory farms, where they are raised to grow rapidly.
Changing Traditions and Raising Awareness
The turkey adoption initiative extends beyond financial contributions. It serves as a platform for education about factory farming and the sentient nature of turkeys. Nix emphasizes the importance of sparking conversations around these issues: “Even if it makes you stop and double think what it is you’re about to do… for us that’s a conversation starter.”
Another pioneering organization in this movement is Farm Sanctuary, which began its turkey adoption program in 1986. Co-founder Gene Baur noted that public confusion surrounding the concept of rescuing farm animals was prevalent in the early years. Over the decades, the sanctuary has rescued thousands of turkeys and received substantial donations, sometimes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single year.
Baur reflects on the evolution of societal attitudes: “We grow up with certain traditions. But just because something is a tradition doesn’t mean that it needs to remain as a tradition.”
Families like that of Lizzie Parra have embraced this compassionate alternative. Parra’s family has adopted a turkey since 2021, motivated by a memorable encounter at a sanctuary where a turkey followed them. As a vegan family, they do not include turkey on their Thanksgiving table, but they find value in the adoption program as a way to promote awareness and compassion. “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,” Parra stated.
Highlighting Turkey Personalities
Alongside Luvin Arms, other sanctuaries are joining the movement. Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan, initiated a similar program in 2023. Chase DeBack, their advocacy, education, and engagement coordinator, highlights the unique personalities of the turkeys. He shares anecdotes about their residents, showcasing the affectionate and distinct nature of each bird.
“We really wanted to shine a light on the unique personalities that turkeys have and how loving and caring they are for humans and for each other,” DeBack explained.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the turkey adoption movement continues to grow, inviting families to reconsider their traditional practices. By choosing to adopt rather than consume, individuals can contribute to a more compassionate future for these intelligent creatures.