Rescue & Adoptions

2006 Featured Rescues

Abandoned Turkey Trio Now Safe at Farm Sanctuary

Hannah, Gideon and Isaiah were found abandoned in a cardboard box outside a shopping center in California. Unfortunately, because the box had been dumped near some recycling bins behind the stores, the turkeys' plight went unnoticed for quite some time. At 7:00 a.m. one morning, several store employees finally spotted the turkeys in the box. They mistakenly assumed someone would come pick up the box, however, and did nothing to help the needy birds. As a result, Hannah, Gideon, Isaiah, and a fourth young turkey (who later had to be euthanized) spent another six long, unhappy hours in the box.

Later that day, around 1:00 p.m., a couple walking behind the shopping center found the turkeys. By that time, the birds were in terrible shape. They had been trapped inside their cardboard prison in the sweltering summer sun for many hours. Abandoned in the box without food or water, they were dehydrated and in desperate need of nourishment. Thankfully, the kind couple took pity on the baby turkeys and brought them to their home. They gave the turkeys water to drink and gently hand-fed them a soft mash of turkey feed. After receiving a full day of loving care, Hannah, Gideon and Isaiah had grown much stronger and were healthy enough to eat on their own. A short time after that, thanks to the kindness of their rescuers, they had completely recovered from their ordeal.

While on the mend at their rescuers' home, Hannah, Gideon and Isaiah grew very attached to the couple. Anytime the husband or wife went out of sight for a moment, all three would cry out. Of course, the couple soon became attached to the turkeys as well. They knew they couldn't keep the birds themselves, but they were committed to finding the trio the perfect home. When our California Shelter agreed to welcome Hannah, Gideon and Isaiah into our sanctuary family, the couple was relieved. They knew then that everything would be okay, and that the precious birds they rescued would have a wonderful life.

These days, Hannah, Gideon and Isaiah are finding out first-hand just how wonderful sanctuary life truly can be. Savoring each and every moment of their newfound freedom, they spend their time snacking on fresh greens and grapes, exploring the tall grass in their pasture and napping side by side in their cozy, straw-filled pen. Here at Farm Sanctuary, where they are treated like treasures instead of trash, they are learning what it means to be loved.