A New Thanksgiving Tradition: Why More Families are Adopting Turkeys

A new Thanksgiving tradition is gaining traction across the United States, with a growing number of families choosing to adopt a turkey instead of serving one. This movement offers a compassionate alternative, allowing people to support rescued birds living at farm animal sanctuaries rather than consuming them as part of a holiday meal.

At the forefront of this initiative is Farm Sanctuary, whose Adopt a Turkey Project has been active since 1986. Through a sponsorship donation, individuals can symbolically adopt a resident turkey. In return, supporters typically receive an adoption certificate with a photo of their sponsored bird, with the funds directly supporting the animal’s food, shelter, and medical care. The program's goal is to reframe the holiday narrative around gratitude and kindness toward all living beings.

This compassionate trend stands in stark contrast to the scale of holiday consumption. Animal welfare organizations report that approximately 46 million turkeys are raised for slaughter for Thanksgiving in the U.S. each year. Sanctuaries provide a safe haven for birds rescued from the commercial food system, giving them a chance to live out their natural lives in a protected environment. Farm Sanctuary, for example, operates a 275-acre location in upstate New York and another in Southern California, housing hundreds of rescued animals.

Life for these rescued turkeys is fundamentally different. Instead of ending up on a platter, they become the guests of honor. In a unique reversal of tradition, sanctuaries host a special feast for the birds, offering them seasonal favorites like squash, fresh cranberries, and pumpkin pie. This event highlights their value as individuals deserving of kindness and care.

The adopt-a-turkey movement has since expanded, with numerous sanctuaries across the country now offering similar programs. By choosing adoption, supporters help spark conversations about animal welfare and encourage a different way of celebrating, one that shifts the focus from consumption to compassion and connection.