Turkey Adoption Programs Grow as Sanctuaries Shift Tradition

A growing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country are promoting an alternative Thanksgiving tradition that invites families to “adopt” turkeys and donate toward their care rather than serve them at holiday meals.

Participants receive photos, certificates, and sometimes virtual or in-person visits with their chosen birds. Advocates say the practice helps spare a small number of the tens of millions of turkeys slaughtered each year, many of which are raised in what they describe as inhumane factory-farm conditions.

On the Colorado plains, “Gus” the turkey is experiencing Thanksgiving week much differently from most birds. Staff at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie stop frequently to greet him, stroke his feathers, or offer a playful peck. “What do you think? Do you want to do snuggles today?” asks Lanette Cook, the sanctuary’s education and engagement manager.

Gus is part of the sanctuary’s symbolic adoption effort. For a $25 donation, supporters receive a certificate, a photo, and a choice between a virtual or in-person visit, explained executive director Kelly Nix. Since its launch in 2022, the program has expanded steadily, and the sanctuary anticipates reaching its $18,000 fundraising goal this year.

Luvin Arms profiles Gus and other turkeys on its website, highlighting their personalities to encourage supporters to rethink traditional holiday habits. Donations help expand outdoor areas, fund feed and rescue operations, and support veterinary care—often essential for turkeys bred for rapid growth, which can leave them with lasting health issues.

Sanctuaries emphasize that the initiative is about more than finances. It’s an opportunity to reshape how people view farm animals. “Even if it makes you pause and reconsider what you’re about to do,” Nix said, “that’s a valuable conversation.”

Farm Sanctuary, based in New York and California, launched one of the earliest turkey-adoption programs in 1986. President and co-founder Gene Baur said the idea once confused people, but over the decades, thousands of turkeys have been rescued, and public interest has grown.

Families like Lizzie Parra’s, who have been sponsoring turkeys since 2021, say the program provides a way to support animals while raising awareness. Parra’s family is vegan, and she believes the initiative shows others that compassionate choices are within reach.

Michigan’s Barn Sanctuary runs a similar program. Advocacy coordinator Chase DeBack hopes supporters come to see turkeys as affectionate animals with distinct personalities.