ERIE, Colorado: An increasing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country are promoting an alternative Thanksgiving tradition in which families "adopt" turkeys and donate toward their lifelong care.

In return, participants receive photos, certificates, and sometimes virtual or in-person visits with the birds. The idea is to spare a few of the tens of millions of turkeys slaughtered each year, many of which are raised in what advocates say are inhumane factory-farm conditions.

At a sanctuary on the Colorado plains, "Gus" the turkey is spending Thanksgiving week far differently from most birds. Staff often pause to greet him, stroke his feathers, or offer a quick peck on his face. "What do you think? Do you want to do snuggles today?" asks Lanette Cook, education and engagement manager at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie.

Gus is part of a growing movement in which turkeys are symbolically "adopted" instead of eaten. At Luvin Arms, a US$25 donation brings a certificate, a photo, and a choice of a virtual or in-person visit, explained executive director Kelly Nix. Since the program began in 2022, sponsorships have risen steadily, and the sanctuary expects to reach its $18,000 goal this year.

The sanctuary's website profiles Gus and other turkeys, highlighting their quirks and encouraging supporters to rethink holiday habits. Funds help expand outdoor space, cover feed and rescue operations, and pay for veterinary treatment. Turkeys from industrial farms often require extensive care because they are bred to grow quickly, which can lead to health problems.

Sanctuaries emphasize that the program is not only about money or even the birds themselves but also about reframing how people view farm animals. "Even if it makes you pause and reconsider what you're about to do," Nix said, "that's a valuable conversation."

Farm Sanctuary, with locations in New York and California, launched one of the earliest turkey-adoption initiatives in 1986. President and co-founder Gene Baur said the concept once puzzled many people, but over the decades, thousands of turkeys have been rescued, and public interest has grown.

For families like Lizzie Parra's, who have been adopting turkeys since 2021, the program offers a way to support animals while raising awareness. Her family is vegan, and she says the initiative helps others see that compassionate choices are possible.

Barn Sanctuary in Michigan runs a similar effort. Advocacy coordinator Chase DeBack hopes supporters recognize turkeys as affectionate animals with distinct personalities, truly.