If the thought of millions of turkeys being slaughtered for Thanksgiving has you considering going vegan, you may want to jump on this new trend. It turns out, more and more turkeys are now being “adopted” instead of getting covered in gravy and served up for the holiday feast.
It’s all thanks to the growing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country that are promoting this alternative option for Thanksgiving. It allows families to “adopt” a turkey by donating money for their lifelong care and in exchange, they get photos, certificates and sometimes even one-on-one visits with their bird. Some folks adopt a turkey for themselves and show off their photo on their Thanksgiving table, while others adopt them as gifts for a loved one.
Luvin Farms, an animal sanctuary near Denver, says the number of sponsorships has doubled every year since launching their turkey adoption program in 2022. A $25 donation comes with a certificate, photo and choice of a virtual or in-person visit. This year, they’re on track to hit their goal of $18-thousand, which helps pay for extending the turkeys’ outdoor pasture area, feeding and rescuing more turkeys, and their vet bills, which can sometimes cost thousands because of the medical complications that turkeys from factory farms can have.
- But the program is also an educational opportunity, according to the sanctuary. “Even if it makes you stop and double think what it is you’re about to do,” says Kelly Nix, executive director at Luvin Farms. “Or that you’re like, ‘wow this is the life of a sentient being,’ for us that’s a conversation starter.”
Source: ABC News
Scott's Thoughts:
- Putting a photo of the turkey we “adopted” on the Thanksgiving table would be such a conversation starter, it might help us avoid talking politics this year!
- My opinion, but as humans, we are built to eat meat. This is part of the circle of life.
- Why not adopt a child instead? Or be a foster parent. Put your money to good use, not this garbage. (My opinion)