Gus the turkey finds refuge in a growing adoption movement
Thanksgiving week is looking different for Gus the turkey this year. Instead of facing slaughter, he is enjoying care at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado. The sanctuary’s 'sponsor-a-turkey' program is part of a growing movement to protect these birds and change how people see them.
The tradition of turkey adoption began in 1986 when Gene Baur and Lorri Bauston founded Farm Sanctuary in the US. Their organization, with locations in New York and California, launched the first turkey adoption program that same year. Over nearly four decades, the sanctuary has rescued thousands of turkeys and raised hundreds of thousands in donations.
Sanctuaries like Luvin Arms and Farm Sanctuary continue to grow their adoption programs. More turkeys are being saved each year, and public awareness is rising. With increased sponsorships and donations, the movement aims to create lasting change for these birds.
