Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/send-pardoned-turkeys-to-farm-sanctuary/
Farm Sanctuary, the first farm animal sanctuary in the U.S., asks people every year to forgo eating turkey during the holidays and instead sponsor the care of a rescued turkey.
They believe the intelligent and social birds deserve to live their lives as nature intended, not crammed into production facilities and slaughtered before they reach their first birthday.
A flock of rescued turkeys already call both the California and New York sanctuaries home, but they are hoping to add a few more.
Sponsor a Rescued Turkey for the Holidays!
At Farm Sanctuary, we inspire people to think differently about turkeys. Through our #AdoptATurkey Project, you can symbolically adopt one of our rescued “spokesturkeys” (instead of eating one!) and add a healthy dose of compassion to your holiday celebrations.Who will you adopt this year? www.farmsanctuary.org/adopt-a-turkey?utm_campaign=aat_2021&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=owned&utm_content=fb11321aat
Posted by Farm Sanctuary on Wednesday, November 3, 2021
President Biden is expected to keep with the White House tradition of “pardoning” turkeys this November. The sanctuary created a petition, which many celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix, Ricky Gervais, and Dave Bautista have already signed, to release the pardoned birds to their care.
The turkey “pardoning” tradition became official in 1989 and since then no bird has ever been released to a sanctuary.
The pardoned turkeys are usually sent to a farm, petting zoo, or university with a poultry science program, but the sanctuary wants to give the birds a forever home.
In the letter addressed to the President, Megan Watkins, CEO of Farm Sanctuary, wrote, “As we approach the holiday season—meant to be a time of gratitude and goodwill—we hope you’ll accept our offer to provide sanctuary and the best life possible for pardoned turkeys. Here, they will have the opportunity to dust bathe, feel grass beneath their feet, enjoy a robust social life, and receive personalized care.”
Turkeys are often only seen as food.
68 million turkeys are “slaughtered each year in the United States for the November and December holiday season,” states the sanctuary.
They are hoping to reduce that number by showing people how amazing turkeys are.
The sanctuary allows each animal in their care to live their best life and loves them just the way they are. They not only rescue and care for countless farm animals but also advocate on their behalf.
They believe people would view turkeys differently if they spent a little time with them. “One need only spend a few minutes feeding fresh clover to a turkey under the willow tree to know that they are clever, playful, and deserving of our care and respect.”
Sign the petition here.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
