Celebration FOR the Turkeys Event · Photographs
Turkey Fact Sheet · Frequently Asked Questions · Press Releases

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR ADOPT-A-TURKEY PROJECT?
The Adopt-A-Turkey Project is part of Farm Sanctuary's campaign to encourage people to save a turkey rather than serving one for Thanksgiving. Farm Sanctuary encourages people to choose a vegetarian diet for the Thanksgiving holiday — and throughout the year.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ADOPT A TURKEY?
1) Sponsor adoptions are available to anyone.

2) Home adopters are screened to ensure that a proper home will be provided for turkeys. It is mandatory that in-home adopters adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet and commit to lifelong care for their turkeys. Home adopters must also demonstrate the financial and physical resources (acreage, shelter, etc.) necessary to providing proper care for the turkeys, and complete an adoption application. Click here to view adoption application.

WHAT IS FARM SANCTUARY?
Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, we have worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and legislative actions, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Our shelters in Watkins Glen, NY and Orland, CA 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.

WHEN DID THE ADOPT-A-TURKEY PROJECT BEGIN?
The Adopt-A-Turkey Project began in 1986. This year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary of the Adopt-A-Turkey Project.

WHERE DO THE TURKEYS COME FROM?
All animals at Farm Sanctuary are rescued from cases of cruelty. They may come from stockyards, auctions, slaughterhouses, or factory farms where the animals are abused, neglected or abandoned.

WHAT IS THE Celebration FOR the Turkeys?
The Celebration FOR the Turkeys is an annual Farm Sanctuary event in which the main attraction is a ceremony where the turkeys are fed a Thanksgiving meal of squash, pumpkin pie, salad, and cranberries. Guests spend the day taking shelter tours, attending presentations and eating a delicious vegan dinner.

WHAT IS THE TURKEY EXPRESS?
The "Turkey Express" is the name given to the van that delivers turkeys to their new adoptive homes around the country.

DOES FARM SANCTUARY WANT EVERYONE TO BE A VEGETARIAN?
Farm Sanctuary encourages people to consider a vegetarian lifestyle, but we recognize that this is a choice that each of us needs to make for ourselves. We believe the best way to reduce the suffering of farm animals is to stop
supporting the meat, dairy and egg industries.

WHY DO WE THINK TURKEYS SHOULD NOT BE EATEN?
Turkeys are sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Today, it’s easier than ever to choose compassion over cruelty with the abundance of vegetarian and vegan foods available. Humans don’t need to kill to survive — in fact, we live better and longer on healthy, plant-based foods.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FACTORY FARMING?
Start by perusing Farm Sanctuary's various websites, listed on Farm Sanctuary's homepage at www.farmsanctuary.org. Additional video and literature resources are also available online, or by calling (607) 583-2225 ext. 221.

WHAT ARE TURKEYS LIKE?
Anyone who has spent time with a turkey will tell you they are very friendly, social animals. They are curious and intelligent, and have their own desires and needs, just as all animals do, including humans.

DO TURKEYS REALLY SUFFER?
Turkeys are not protected under most state anti-cruelty laws, and they are specifically exempt from the federal “Humane Slaughter Act.” As a result, turkeys are subjected to intolerable cruelty and neglect, including severe overcrowding on factory farms, ‘debeaking’ mutilations, and are slaughtered while fully conscious.

Please click here to read Farm Sanctuary’s “Turkey Fact Sheet” to learn more.

BUT THANKSGIVING IS A TRADITION…WHY DO WE NEED TO CHANGE IT?
Turkey as the centerpiece and symbol of thanksgiving is a relatively new tradition that was invented and encouraged by poultry corporations during the 20th century. Thankfully, humans are not bound by cruel traditions. Just because we've done something routinely in the past does not mean that we ought to continue it in a civilized society. Traditions must evolve over time in order for our civilization to thrive. We must strive for better, more compassionate ways to interact with one another, and with other animals. Complacency has no place at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

WHAT DO VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS DO FOR THANKSGIVING?
Vegetarians and vegans enjoy all the same Thanksgiving pleasures as everyone else does, minus the turkey. There is an abundance of delicious vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving food options available. Click here for compassionate Thanksgiving recipes.

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