‘Adopt a Turkey’ project wants turkeys to gobble another year
November and December are full of traditions – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, football games, watching the classically known claymation Christmas movies, and the all-time favorite, the turkey- or, ham for some.November is best known for being the season of giving and thankfulness, Thanksgiving, and Veterans Day, but it is jam packed with an abundance of special days of awareness and observances to celebrate. As few may know, November is also known as Adopt a Turkey Month; celebrated all through the month of November. Many individuals and families celebrate Thanksgiving this month by cooking turkey for the holiday dinner. Others hope to save the turkeys from this fate and have taken to the tradition of adopting turkeys instead.
Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey Project began in 1986 and offers the ability to symbolically adopt a turkey this season instead of eating one.
“Turkeys are social, emotional, and sentient beings with unique personalities. Sadly, 223 million are slaughtered for food each year—with more than 68 million turkeys just for the November and December holiday season,” states Farm Sanctuary. You can symbolically adopt a turkey this season for a one-time $35 donation. This donation helps Farm Sanctuary care for their rescued turkeys, protect others still in need, and raise awareness about the beautiful lives they lead when they’re allowed to live; you’ll also receive a certification of adoption and a photo of your turkey.
According to a study, 46 million turkeys are eaten each year on Thanksgiving and 22 million on Christmas. Animal lovers and meatless eaters have used Adopt a Turkey Month to boost a kind movement that helps to save some of these birds. Rather than eating a turkey, they adopt one. This allows them to support animal sanctuaries with the costs of caring for the turkeys.
One local family chose to raise a turkey of their own and when the time was necessary, decided to utilize the benefits and care of a bird sanctuary that has allowed their feathered friend to live out the rest of his days in a safe and caring environment. Erin Schneberger, of Burns Flat, and her family purchased a chick and named him Tommy.
“He was raised with lots of love and attention. When he grew into an adult he was way too friendly. He was always on our porch and wanted to “follow” you everywhere. If you had anything in your hand (like a trash bag) he would attack it,” heartily exclaimed Schneberger.
“The kids named him Tom (of course) and were slightly scared of him but didn’t want anything to happen to him. My sister knew a lady that has a bird sanctuary and she gave Tommy to her.”
It’s challenging to go against social norms, but if anyone is openminded enough to do so, a great impact could be made. Not everyone may be able to or interested in making the change, but for anyone who is, this year is as good as any. After all, the holidays are a time of traditions, so why not start a new one?