""Gus" the turkey has been spending Thanksgiving week much differently than millions of other unlucky gobblers across the U.S. As he trots in a sprawling animal sanctuary on the Colorado plains, he is stopped every few steps by staff who pet him, hug him or even give him a peck on his red face. Gus has been there since 2023 after being pardoned by the governor."
"Gus is among a growing number of turkeys that are being "adopted" instead of being covered in gravy and eaten at Thanksgiving dinner tables. An increasing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country have started promoting this alternative version of Thanksgiving in which families "adopt" turkeys and donate money to their lifelong care. In return, they receive photos, certificates and sometimes even one-on-one visits with the birds."
"At Luvin Arms, a $25 donation comes with a certificate, photo and either a virtual or in-person visit, explained Kelly Nix, its executive director. Since launching the program in 2022, the sanctuary, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Denver, has seen the number of sponsorships double every year. And this year they're on track to reach their goal of $18,000, she said."
Gus, a turkey pardoned in 2023, lives at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado, where staff frequently pet, hug and interact with him. A growing number of turkeys nationwide are being 'adopted' rather than slaughtered for Thanksgiving, with sanctuaries promoting donations that fund lifelong care. Donors typically receive photos, certificates and virtual or in-person visits. Luvin Arms charges $25 per sponsorship and has doubled sponsorships annually since launching in 2022, aiming for $18,000 this year. Adoption options serve as gifts and encourage reconsideration of turkey consumption and factory farming practices.
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