Rescue & Adoptions

Adoption Stories

Arapahoe

Arapahoe and four other turkeys were found wandering in a rural neighborhood in Northern California. Although no one claimed ownership of the turkeys or seemed to know where they had come from, they had clearly been raised in captivity. In rural areas, turkeys like Arapahoe and her friends are commonly raised in backyard cages or pens for 2-4 months before being released for hunting season. Sadly, many turkeys released abruptly from captivity and left to fend for themselves, do not survive. Some are killed by predators, or automobiles, some suffer from illness and disease, and others starve to death, because in captivity they never learned to forage for food on their own.

Thankfully, caring residents of the neighborhood where Arapahoe and her friends were found knew the turkeys needed help. For almost a week, compassionate and determined neighbors worked together to gently round them up. Finally, they gathered all of the turkeys together and contacted Farm Sanctuary. Grateful for the chance to help, we welcomed the new arrivals with open arms.

While living at our Rescue Barn, far from being forced to fend for themselves, they were pampered and some would even say, spoiled. Each day they enjoyed lots of healthy exercise, tasty, nutritious turkey treats, and good conversation with their goat friends. Relieved that they no longer had to search for their food, they sprinted toward their caregivers and gobbled with delight at meal times. When they weren't stuffing themselves, Arapahoe and her friends enjoyed exploring their spacious outdoor pasture, greeting visitors to the barn, and taking naps in the sun.

Since we did not have appropriate long-term living space available for these beautiful turkeys, we began searching for an adoptive family for them immediately after their rescue. Happily, a kind, retired couple in California agreed to adopt the turkeys. Already the adoptive parents of 6 sheep, 2 pigs, and several turkeys and chickens who used to live at Farm Sanctuary, we knew the compassionate couple would provide a wonderful home for the turkeys. So, late in December of 2004, caregivers transported Arapahoe, Iriquois, Cree, Lakota, and Cheyenne to their new home, just a short drive from our California Shelter.

Today, Arapahoe and her friends are doing very well. Their parents own a large piece of property that they have developed into a registered nature preserve. They tell us that the turkeys love spending time in their spacious pastures, playing among the orchard trees and napping peacefully in the sun. They also enjoy whiling away the hours getting to know their new animal friends. Thankful to be off the streets and away from hunters, these five beautiful turkeys will live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort, enjoying all the happiness, security, and affection they deserve.