Press Releases

Rescued Turkeys to Arrive at Humboldt Co. Home in Time for the Holidays

Farm Sanctuary’s Turkey Express Delivers Rescued Birds to Loving Family in Loleta, Calif. 

Loleta, CA – November 19, 2008 – Farm Sanctuary, the largest refuge and network for farm animals in North America, will carry out its first west coast Turkey Express delivery of the holiday season, when staff from the 300-acre Orland, Calif. shelter for rescued farm animals delivers two turkeys to Tamara, Matt and Carlos McFarland in Loleta, Calif. on Thursday, Nov. 20. An integral part of the organization’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project for 22 years, this annual Thanksgiving event pairs rescued birds in need of permanent refuge with loving families nationwide.

“Like cats and dogs, turkeys are bright, social and sensitive animals who deserve compassionate treatment. The fact that caring individuals are willing to bring these birds into their homes as companions, rather than as holiday dinners, is a heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of Thanksgiving,” said Leanne Cronquist, California shelter director for Farm Sanctuary. “Through the Turkey Express, the McFarlands are not only providing a home for turkeys in need, but also showing others how they can start a new holiday tradition and save lives too.”                    

Embarking on a new journey after recovering at Farm Sanctuary from a harrowing start in life, Blossom and Tinkerbell, the turkeys adopted by McFarland, were not always handled with care. In August 2006, these birds were rescued from a Northwest Airlines cargo disaster that claimed the lives of more than 9,000 turkey poults – all of whom were improperly transported on a perilous flight from Detroit to San Francisco. Had they not been rescued, the birds would have wound up at a massive breeding facility. At the McFarland home, Blossom and Tinkerbell will be treated like part of the family and join chickens and ducks also previously saved from harm.

“We’re so excited to celebrate this Thanksgiving in a way that truly honors life in all its many forms and promote a new tradition that everyone, even turkeys, can be thankful for,” said Tamara McFarland, longtime Farm Sanctuary supporter and proprietor of McFarland Designs, a jewelry business that benefits farm animal protection through donations of proceeds. “Blossom and Tinkerbell will round out our family perfectly, and we look forward to providing them with the very best and enjoying their company for years to come.”

Those interested in home adoption, and who can provide refuge for two or more turkeys, are invited to contact Farm Sanctuary and apply to join its Farm Animal Adoption Network. Others can help provide rescued animals with feed, bedding and veterinary care, and advocate and educate on the animals’ behalf, by sponsoring a turkey living at Farm Sanctuary. For a one-time gift of $25, sponsors receive an “adoption” certificate, membership to Farm Sanctuary for one year, and a one-year subscription to the nonprofit’s quarterly magazine.

Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-a-Turkey Project has not only saved more than 1,000 turkeys from slaughter and encouraged millions of people to rethink their Thanksgiving menus, but has also shed light on the plight of the 250 to 300 million turkeys raised for slaughter in the U.S. every year — more than 45 million alone for Thanksgiving. More about Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, including helpful holiday resources such as recipes, videos and literature, can be found at www.adoptaturkey.org or by calling 1-888-SPONSOR.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.