Current Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary's Turkey Express Delivers 28 Lucky Birds to Animal Haven Sanctuary

Four Turkeys and 24 Chickens Rescued from Hurricane Katrina to Arrive at Animal Haven, Where They Will Spend the Rest of Their Days

Asheville, NC - November 15, 2005 - When Barbara Bellows of Asheville, North Carolina, made up her Thanksgiving dinner guest list for 2005, they included four turkeys and 24 chickens from Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. Escorted via the Turkey Express vehicle, these guests of honor will join Bellows' Animal Haven sanctuary as its newest members on Wednesday, November 16 at 11:30 am. Barbara Bellows has chosen a more compassionate way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by adopting these birds rather than serving them as the main item on the holiday dinner menu.

"We are so thankful for our supporters who make it possible for us to shelter these innocent creatures and provide a peaceful existence for them," said Barbara Bellows of Animal Haven.

Kate Walker, placement coordinator at Farm Sanctuary, who will deliver the turkeys and chickens to Animal Haven on Wednesday said, "Asheville is fortunate to have such a place as Animal Haven. This delivery is one of 16 we have scheduled so far as part of the Turkey Express. To travel across the country and meet so many compassionate people, it really brings home the true meaning of Thanksgiving."

These four turkeys, along with nearly 80 others, were rescued in July 2005 from an online sales scheme gone awry. Rescuers in Binghamton, New York saved over 80 turkey peeps (baby turkeys) from a holiday dinner table destiny, after convincing the seller to surrender the peeps and allow them safe shelter. Farm Sanctuary rehabilitated the turkeys, many who were suffering from malnutrition, and provided a refuge until they could be placed into compassionate adoptive homes. Most of the turkeys recovered fully and many of them will be placed with adoptive homes throughout the United States.

These 24 chickens, along with hundreds of other broiler chickens, were rescued by Farm Sanctuary, The Humane Society of the United States and Animal Place from a poultry facility in Mississippi destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. All of these birds went several days without food and water and many suffered from ailments related to their lack of food, as well as the intense production methods that they were subjected to prior to the Hurricane's onslaught. Farm Sanctuary brought the majority of the birds to its Watkins Glen, New York, sanctuary, where they were brought back to health. Now that the birds have been rehabilitated, many will be placed with adoptive families and sanctuaries throughout the United States.

Through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt a Turkey Project, Families can choose to adopt turkeys into their homes while others may decide to "adopt" turkeys who live at Farm Sanctuary through sponsorship donations. Those interested in adopting turkeys, or the chickens from Hurricane Katrina, can contact shelter@farmsanctuary.org. Anyone interested in sponsoring a turkey, can register at http://www.adoptaturkey.org or call 1-888-SPONSOR.

Note to Media: Photos of the original Hurricane Katrina rescue available upon request.

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 www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.