Families Choose to Adopt Turkeys for Thanksgiving Celebration

In a growing alternative to traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, families across the United States are “adopting” turkeys instead of serving them at dinner tables. One notable example is “Gus,” a turkey who revels in the affection of staff at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado, where he has lived since being pardoned by the governor in 2023. This initiative not only spares turkeys from slaughter but also raises awareness about the conditions many factory-farmed birds endure.

At Luvin Arms, the adoption program allows individuals to sponsor turkeys for a donation of $25. In exchange, they receive a certificate, a photograph of their chosen bird, and the opportunity for a virtual or in-person visit. According to Kelly Nix, executive director of Luvin Arms, the sanctuary has seen a doubling of sponsorships each year since launching the program in 2022, and they are on track to reach their fundraising goal of $18,000 this season.

Many families now feature their adopted turkeys’ photos at their Thanksgiving gatherings, prompting conversations about animal welfare and challenging traditional holiday norms. Nix notes that the public’s engagement isn’t merely about saving turkeys; it also serves as an educational tool, encouraging people to reconsider their relationship with food and animals.

The Luvin Arms website showcases Gus and other turkeys, highlighting their unique personalities and encouraging donations for their care. Funds raised have contributed to expanding outdoor pasture areas and covering veterinary expenses. Turkeys often face significant medical issues as a result of the breeding practices in factory farms, which prioritize rapid growth, leading to health complications.

In the wild, turkeys typically live for three to four years, according to the National Wild Turkey Federation. However, many domestically raised birds have shorter lifespans due to the conditions in which they are raised. Nix emphasizes that the program aims to foster a deeper understanding of turkeys as sentient beings rather than mere holiday decorations.

The concept of turkey adoption is not new. The Farm Sanctuary, which operates in New York and California, pioneered such programs in 1986. Gene Baur, the sanctuary’s president and co-founder, notes that initial public reactions were mixed, with many people unfamiliar with the idea of rescuing farm animals. Over the years, the sanctuary has rescued thousands of turkeys and garnered substantial public support, with donations reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars in certain years.

Baur argues that traditions should not remain unchallenged simply for the sake of continuity. He notes, “We grow up with certain traditions. But just because something is a tradition doesn’t mean that it needs to remain as a tradition.”

Similarly, Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan, has been running its own turkey adoption program since 2023. Chase DeBack, coordinator of advocacy, education, and engagement, highlights the need to showcase the distinct personalities of turkeys. He describes residents like Lewis, who prefers the company of his female companions, and Sabrina and Hilda, who are always curious about their surroundings.

DeBack states, “You only hear about kind of the dead turkeys. And so 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.”

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the idea of adopting instead of eating a turkey is gaining traction, allowing families to celebrate the season with a new perspective on animal welfare and compassion. Through these programs, organizations like Luvin Arms, Farm Sanctuary, and Barn Sanctuary are not just saving lives; they are promoting a vital conversation about the ethics of food choices and the treatment of animals.