Current Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary's Turkey Express Delivers Four Lucky Turkeys to Their new Adoptive Home

New Homeworth Residents Escape Thanksgiving Fate Thanks to One Compassionate Family

Homeworth, OH - November 8, 2005 - When the Merryman family of Homeworth, Ohio, made up their Thanksgiving dinner guest list for 2005, they included four turkeys from Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. Escorted via the Turkey Express vehicle, these guests of honor joined the Merryman family today as their newest members. The Merrymans have 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.

Part of Farm Sanctuary's annual Adopt-A-Turkey Project, the Merrymans underwent a rigorous application and screening process in order to open their hearts and their homes as a family for these affectionate, friendly and social creatures.

Kate Walker, placement coordinator at Farm Sanctuary, who delivered the turkeys to the Merrymans said, "The Merrymans came highly recommended, and I'm sure that these turkeys will be very happy in their new home. This is the fourth turkey drop off of fourteen 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.