1 of 6
MICHELLE SHIERS
Romeo.
2 of 6
Sun.
3 of 6
Luke Skywalker.
4 of 6
Heather.
5 of 6
Smudge.
6 of 6
Thanksgiving is a time to come together, regardless of how you celebrate it!
While many of us will be gathering around the table for a feast, The Gentle Barn, a national non-profit animal rescue group is asking consumers to protect turkeys rather than serving them this holiday season.
To protect these vulnerable animals, The Gentle Barn’s Turkey Guardian campaign lets anyone sponsor one of five turkeys–Romeo, Sun, Luke Skywalker, Heather or Smudge–for a one-time donation of $35, the entire flock for a one-time $150 donation, or the flock plus for a $1,000 one-time donation, which includes a special Zoom event with the founders.
These funds support the organization’s efforts to rescue, protect, and provide a safe and loving living environment for many more animals at their sanctuaries located in Nashville, Tennessee, St. Louis, Missouri, and Santa Clarita, California. Plus, you will receive a Certificate of Turkey Guardianship, which includes your animal friend's bio, a beautiful photo, and interesting facts about the turkey or turkeys you have chosen.
Each turkey has a unique personality, with different likes, dislikes, and relationships. Sun loves to snuggle both with humans and his best friend, a goat named Gus. Romeo prefers to spend his days showing off his beautiful feathers and commanding the attention of adoring onlookers. Heather is happiest sitting on a nest, while Smudge is a lap turkey through and through. The best part of Luke Skywalker’s day is breakfast, and he runs excitedly to the gate every morning when he sees the humans bringing out his breakfast salad. Though each turkey in the flock has its own story and background, all have learned to overcome their past experiences, live in the moment, and give and receive unconditional love.
“We are calling on people to stand up for turkeys, the planet and their own health and well-being,” said The Gentle Barn founder Ellie Laks. “With this program, we hope to generate more understanding of what these innocent animals are really like. Most people don’t realize that turkeys are affectionate, intelligent and very social, both amongst themselves and vis-à-vis humans. They live in big family groups, are highly communicative, and even love music.”
To learn more and to become a Turkey Guardian, click here. Visit the animals during The Gentle Barn's Sunday open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by private tour during the week.