Some might argue, “on a plate.” In 2019, the United States slaughtered and processed nearly 230 million turkeys as food. Roughly 20 percent—46 million—were killed just for November holiday meals. It’s a fate we would never subject to our companion animals.

But Thor, Lady Sif, Freyja, Brunnhilde, and Sheila turkeys were companions. Their former owner, a small hobby farmer, refused to let any harm befall them—even though most other farmers would raise them for meat. The farmer also kept two goats, Chocolate and Vanilla, as companions. Other animals on the farm might have been used for food production.

So what dictates who we see as companion animals and who we see as food—especially when these groups overlap? “Cognitive dissonance” can help explain why a person might value turkeys over pigs—or why society deems it acceptable to eat all of the above, but not dogs or cats. (See the BBC article, What the ‘meat paradox’ reveals about moral decision making.)

At Farm Sanctuary, we see these animals’ worth each day—not as suppliers of meat, milk, or other commodities, but as individuals. However, we recognize that it can take time for people to rewrite their lifelong patterns and beliefs. That’s why, when a farmer like this finds common ground with animals, such kindness is something to be celebrated. After all, it can often inspire further compassion among a person’s inner circle.

His wife chose to uphold his promise after his untimely passing. While she couldn’t take care of them herself, she wanted these friends to go on to good homes rather than go to slaughter. Their lives didn’t need to end with his.
With no time to lose, his widow started making calls. Ultimately, she reached our Placement team, which helps home hundreds of animals each year. Some come to live at Farm Sanctuary (as space and resources permit); others go to carefully screened sanctuaries or private homes in our nationwide Farm Animal Adoption Network.

The turkeys would come to our New York shelter. They’re an older group, at least five to six years old, and one of the girls had severe foot issues that required ongoing treatment.

As for Chocolate and Vanilla, we were able to provide temporary care while securing a permanent home. While they’re also up in years (around 12 and 7, respectively), the girls did not have any outstanding health issues. They were both sweet and curious, though a bit shy. This made them good candidates for outside placement. Adopting healthy animals into approved homes also frees up space at Farm Sanctuary for others in urgent need.

Once all health checks came back clear and we had the proper documents for interstate travel, we could transport the goats to their forever home. (As these are bonded animals, it is crucial to their overall health and wellbeing that they stay together). They are now enjoying their new home, which includes lots of cuddles from their human family!

The turkey ladies—Lady Sif, Freyja, Brunnhilde, and Sheila—moved in with the other girls in our main flock. The newcomers loved checking in with their handsome neighbor, Celeborn, who’s been similarly enamored with the group ever since they arrived.

Meanwhile, Thor lives with a separate group of Cornish roosters. Though still a little shy, he’s very sweet and loves to puff up and strut about for anyone who’ll watch!

Sadly, Lady Sif passed away in April; Sheila passed in September. These elder turkeys had significant health problems, but we were able to give them a good quality of life and are thankful they spent their final days surrounded by their loving flock.

Sanctuary life is all about acknowledging each animal’s unique needs and doing everything we can to help them thrive. And while we all have different needs and personalities—humans, companion animals, and farm animals alike—what we share is even more important. Get to know a turkey, goat, or other “food animal” and you might find a friend. Once you know one as a sentient being, it’s hard to see harm done to others like them.

The farmer’s widow did right by these animals in asking for our help. And now, more people can get to know them as we do—as social, adventurous, and thriving beings who are just as worthy as anyone to life, comfort, and love.