Rescue & Adoptions

Past Featured Rescues

The Great American Turkey Rescue

What began as the "Great American Turkey Hunt" turned into the "Great American Turkey Rescue" after a Southern California salvage yard owner was ordered to stop a turkey hunt he had organized as a Thanksgiving promotion.

The salvage yard purchased 320 turkeys with plans to use them as a holiday promotion: customers who came to buy an auto part could take a turn chasing the frightened turkeys around the yards. If they caught one, they could take the bird home for 25 cents. The owner of the salvage yard thought "it would be cute," but outraged citizens — including many Farm Sanctuary members — thought it was anything but "cute" and contacted our California Shelter.

When we heard about the turkeys' plight, Farm Sanctuary immediately offered to provide homes for all of them. After dozens of phone calls, the salvage yard finally agreed to give us some of the birds. As soon as the owner agreed to release turkeys to Farm Sanctuary, our emergency rescue team sprang into action. Time was critical — the salvage yard was also sending the turkeys to slaughter.

We arrived at the salvage yard at the crack of dawn with over a dozen dedicated volunteers, a hired animal transport truck and driver, an Associated Press reporter, five television networks, and National Public Radio. As cameras flashed, volunteers gently carried the turkeys to the transport truck, one by one.

Within a half hour, 96 turkeys were on their way to freedom. Millions of people were encouraged to save turkeys, rather than eat turkeys, when news stories of this dramatic rescue spread across the country. A sanctuary intern rode with the driver for the 10-hour trip to Farm Sanctuary, while the turkeys rested comfortably on thick layers of bedding straw in the trailer. All of the turkeys arrived safe and sound. After a good night's rest — for turkeys and rescue workers alike — the turkeys awoke to a new beginning…and a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and, of course, stuffed squash.

YOU CAN HELP
Donations to help fund emergency rescues throughout the year are urgently needed and greatly appreciated. Member contributions allow Farm Sanctuary to respond immediately when cruelty cases arise and farm animals need us. Please call 1-607-583-2225 ext. 221 to make a donation to the EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND using your credit card, click here to make a donation using our secure online form or mail payment to: Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.