Monday, November 7, 2022

Animal Sanctuary Holds Thanksgiving Feast Where Turkeys Are The Guests Not The Meal

 Originally posted at The Animal Rescue Site Nov 2021:

This just one of the many reasons I chose to go Vegan--SJ Francis

Farm Sanctuary just hosted their annual Thanksgiving feast, “Celebration for the Turkeys”, where turkeys were the guests and not the main course.

The tradition started in 1986 in a small backyard as a way to show people how intelligent and loving turkeys are. Each year the event grew and is now celebrated across the country.

This year’s celebration included caregivers telling the stories of five rescue turkeys and giving a glimpse at what a day in the life of a turkey is like at the sanctuary.

Spokesturkeys

PHOTOS: FARM SANCTUARY

The spokesturkeys for this year are: Tutu “The Charmer”, Ferris “The Hotshot”, Sandy “The Sweetheart”, Venus “The Champion”, and Jackie “The Queen”.

Tutu was rescued from a factory farm by an artist who hoped to tell her story through art, but when that fell through she brought her to the sanctuary. She is now one of the friendliest turkeys in the flock.

Ferris was saved from a feed store along with another turkey tom Faye. Instead of ending up on someone’s plate, they are enjoying a carefree life at the sanctuary. Ferris struts all day long according to his caregivers.

Sandy arrived after her guardian, who saved her from being slaughtered, surrendered her to the sanctuary during the devastating wildfires in California. She’s blossomed into an affectionate turkey.

PHOTOS: FARM SANCTUARY

Venus was rescued along with her “sister” Serena. Venus was cruelly debeaked, a process commonly performed on turkeys at factory farms, but has put her painful past behind her. She’s now assertive and loves getting scratched under her wings.

Jackie is the leader of the flock but arrived in poor shape from a factory farm. She was also debeaked and very timid, but has transformed into a “bold and lively leader”.

While their stories of how they ended up at the sanctuary differ, they were all almost killed for a meal. Now they roam free with the rest of the flock at the sanctuary.

Adopt a Turkey

The sanctuary states that 46 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving alone. They hope to inspire people to look at turkeys in a different way, as sentient animals and not food. For over 30 years, the sanctuary has offered Adopt a Turkey project to encourage people to remove turkey from their plate and symbolically adopt a rescue turkey instead.

If you aren’t sure which turkey to sponsor, you can take this quiz which tells you which is your soulmate – proving turkeys and humans are more alike than you think – and sponsor your “turkey twin”.

The Feast

SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

The lavish feast, which actually took place at their California and New York locations, was prepared by caregivers and no detail was spared. The menu included kale salad with fresh cranberries and apples and of course, pumpkin pie (canned pumpkin in a pie dish).

SCREENSHOTS: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

The tables were decorated with tablecloths and beautiful centerpieces for the honored guests. The food was placed on the tables and the last thing to do was welcome the turkeys.

The countdown began…3-2-1.

SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

Once the doors were opened, the turkeys rushed over to the food and immediately started to devour it. To the delight of the staff, the turkeys leaped on the tables and helped themselves to the tasty food, with kale being a favorite this year.

SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

Due to the global pandemic, visitors were not allowed this year but the event was recorded and shared online for all to enjoy.

“I think the majority of people are really compassionate, they just haven’t been exposed to these animals in that way,” said Daniel Singleton, a caregiver at the Watkins Glen, NY location. “Once you see a creature feeling joy you don’t want to take that away from them.”

SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

Make A Difference

Are you ready to take the pledge to not eat turkey this Thanksgiving? Sign here and share it with your friends.

SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE/
FARMSANCTUARY

“This Thanksgiving, you have a choice. Sign our turkey-free pledge for a compassionate Thanksgiving today,” stated Farm Sanctuary.

Watch the flock enjoy a delicious feast in the video below and don’t forget to share.

     https://youtu.be/qFULl_IjkqU


The Animal Rescue Site is a place where people can help provide food and care to millions of animals in need, both in the U.S. and around the world. In addition to sharing personal rescue stories, shopping for the cause, and signing petitions, visitors can take just a moment each day to click on a purple button to help animals. Visit The Animal Rescue Site and click today - it's free!

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 



                             
Proud Supporter of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: www.muttville.org



Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
  My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Image result for black animals need help
 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
                                                     
          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
                 
Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2021 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                         
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?