Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary and Actress Ginnifer Goodwin Urge Public to Adopt-A-Turkey and Save a Life This Thanksgiving

Nation’s Leading Farm Animal Protection Organization Announces “Big Love” Star Ginnifer Goodwin as 2009 Adopt-A-Turkey Project Spokesperson

Watkins Glen, NY – October 13, 2009 – This Thanksgiving, Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is teaming up with actress Ginnifer Goodwin, star of HBO’s “Big Love,” to launch their annual Adopt-A-Turkey Project, a national program designed to end the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by educating the public about the horrific cruelties endured by these sentient beings and offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving.

Each year 250 to 300 million turkeys are slaughtered for food in the U.S.— more than 45 million for Thanksgiving alone— resulting in thousands of birds being tightly confined in dark, filthy sheds, debeaked and detoed without anesthetic and bred to reach a crippling weight at an unnaturally fast rate.

“After spending time with the rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary’s shelter and seeing how similar they are to my furry companion animals at home, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to protect these friendly and curious birds from the daily pain and suffering they endure on factory farms,” said Goodwin. “With so many delicious, cruelty-free Thanksgiving dishes available, there is no reason why any living being should be treated like an unfeeling commodity. I encourage everyone to start a new, compassionate Thanksgiving tradition this year and Adopt-A-Turkey, rather than eat one.”

Have a Heart, Adopt-A-Turkey
Since 1986, the Adopt-A-Turkey Project has led to the rescue of more than one thousand turkeys and shifted public attitudes toward this Native American bird by offering thousands of people the opportunity to “adopt” a turkey who lives at one of Farm Sanctuary’s two shelters in New York and California for a one-time $25 donation. Turkey sponsors receive a special Adopt-A-Turkey certificate with a color photo of and fun details about their new friend. Every November a new set of “spokesturkeys” are unveiled and their peppy personalities and enthusiastic pleas for adoption have made even the staunchest meat-eaters reconsider what they eat on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. This year, six special rescued birds named Bubbles, Mello, Rhonda, Gideon, Olive and Hawthorn will vie for the hearts of potential adopters.

All Aboard! The Turkey Express
For those who would like to provide a lifelong home for rescued turkeys, Farm Sanctuary staff will personally deliver turkey companions to approved adopters via the Turkey Express, an annual adoption event that has enabled the organization to place more than 500 rescued turkeys into safe, permanent and loving homes throughout the country.

“We are thrilled to announce Ginnifer Goodwin as our official 2009 Adopt-A-Turkey Project spokesperson,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. “Her love and compassion for all animals makes her the perfect spokesperson for individuals who have been unfairly denigrated and suffered severe cruelty. She will impact the lives of turkeys everywhere by shedding light on their feelings and the plight of factory farmed animals, and by encouraging citizens to consider compassionate alternatives.”

To learn more about Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, access helpful holiday resources— including recipes, videos and literature— and view the 2009 "Turkey Adoption List,” as well as adoption applications, please visit www.adoptaturkey.org or call 1-888-SPONSOR.

To receive high res images of Ginnifer Goodwin with rescued turkeys, images of this year's “adoptable” turkeys, as well as industry b-roll and images, please contact Meredith Turner at mturner@farmsanctuary.org or 646-369-6212.

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 farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.