November 1-30

Adopt a Turkey Month

Join the movement and make a difference this November by adopting a turkey instead of eating one.

Yearly Date

November 1

Observed in

Introduction

Gobble gobble! It's time to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month, starting on November 1. This month-long holiday was established in the 1980s by the animal rights organization, Farm Sanctuary, as a way to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting turkeys instead of consuming them for Thanksgiving. It's a great opportunity to show compassion and kindness towards these intelligent and loving animals, while also promoting a plant-based diet. Plus, who wouldn't want to have a turkey as part of their family? Get ready to spread some love and gratitude this month with your new feathered friend!

Adopt a Turkey Month Timeline

1986

Establishment of Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary, an animal protection organization, is founded by Gene Baur and Lorri Houston.

1989

First Adopt a Turkey Program

Farm Sanctuary initiates the first Adopt a Turkey program to save turkeys from slaughter during Thanksgiving.

1990s

Growth in Turkey Adoptions

Adopt a Turkey program expands across the United States, thanks to increasing awareness about animal welfare issues.

2000s

Celebrity Involvement

Celebrities, like Ellen DeGeneres, begin supporting and promoting the Adopt a Turkey program.

2010

Millennial Impact

The rise of millennial environmentalism and veganism marks a new surge in turkey adoptions during November.

2020

Virtual Adoption

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Farm Sanctuary launches a virtual adoption and celebration program.

How to Celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month

1 Adopt a turkey

The best way to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month is by actually adopting a turkey! Many animal sanctuaries and organizations offer programs where you can sponsor a turkey and receive updates on their well-being.

2 Visit a turkey farm

Take a trip to a local turkey farm and learn about the lives of these amazing birds. You can also support the farm by purchasing products made from their turkeys, such as feathers or meat alternatives.

3 Educate others on the importance of turkey adoption

Spread awareness about Adopt a Turkey Month by educating others on why it's important to adopt turkeys instead of consuming them. You can share information on social media or host a discussion with friends and family.

4 Volunteer at a turkey rescue organization

Find a local turkey rescue organization and offer your time and skills to help care for the turkeys. You can also organize fundraisers or donation drives to support their efforts.

5 Host a plant-based Thanksgiving feast

Instead of serving traditional turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner, try hosting a plant-based feast with delicious alternatives that don't involve harming animals. This is a great way to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month and promote compassion towards all living creatures.

Why We Love Adopt a Turkey Month

It brings awareness to the plight of turkeys

Adopt a Turkey Month is a great opportunity to educate people about the mistreatment of turkeys and encourage them to make more conscious choices when it comes to food consumption. By adopting a turkey, you can make a positive impact and help raise awareness for animal welfare.

It promotes compassion and kindness towards all animals

Through adopting a turkey, we show compassion and kindness towards these intelligent, gentle creatures who often face cruel treatment in factory farms. Adopting a turkey also encourages empathy towards all animals, not just turkeys, and can lead to more ethical food choices.

It supports organizations and sanctuaries working towards animal welfare

By participating in Adopt a Turkey Month, you not only show support for the individual turkey you adopt but also for the organizations and sanctuaries that work tirelessly to rescue and care for these animals. Your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of the turkeys and the organizations that help them.