Current Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary's Turkey Express Delivers Two Lucky Turkeys to Their New Adoptive Home

New Birmingham Residents Escape Thanksgiving Fate Thanks to One
Compassionate Woman

Birmingham, AL - November 16, 2005 - When Michelle Rowe of Birmingham, Alabama, made up her Thanksgiving dinner guest list for 2005, they included two turkeys from Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. Escorted via the Turkey Express vehicle, these guests of honor will join Rowe's seven acre farm on Thursday, November 17 at 9:00 am, as its newest members. Michelle Rowe has chosen a more compassionate way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by adopting these turkeys rather than serving them as the main item on the holiday dinner menu.

"I'm so proud to welcome these beautiful birds into my home," said Rowe. "They will take center stage at my Thanksgiving, but not on the dinner table. They deserve a much better fate and I'm happy to give them a home."

Kate Walker, placement coordinator at Farm Sanctuary who will deliver the turkeys to Michelle Rowe, said, "These are the first turkeys that Michelle has adopted and she is in for a treat! These curious, social and affectionate birds will be very happy in their new home. This turkey delivery is one of 16 that we have scheduled so far as part of the Turkey Express. To travel across the country and meet so many compassionate families, it really brings home the true meaning of Thanksgiving."

These 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.

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 can contact shelter@farmsanctuary.org. Anyone interested in sponsoring a turkey, can register at http://www.adoptaturkey.org or call 1-888-SPONSOR.

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.