56 Turkeys Pardoned From IE Warehouse, Thriving At Anza Duck Sanctuary

ANZA, CA ? A gang of 56 turkeys rescued from a hoarding situation in San Bernardino now has free rein at the new Duck Sanctuary in Anza.

Riverside County's resident duck whisperer Howie Berkowitz, owner of the nonprofit The Duck Sanctuary, moved his flock of fowl, including the turkeys, to the permanent facility last month.

He took custody of the rafter of turkeys in August after police answered a call about squatters in an abandoned building.

According to Berkowitz, when the Animal Services team contacted him about the rescue, most of the birds were molting and rail-thin.

Now, the fat and happy birds have free rein of his barb-wire-fenced property by day and a comfy coop at night. They go through about 50 pounds of food a day, most supplied by donations from his many supporters.

At the sanctuary, there is no threat of predators or being turned into Thanksgiving dinner; they know every inch of the property.

During a Facebook live showing the flock to his followers, Berkowitz stopped to call out:

"Hi, turkeys! They answer if you call to them."

He was right. Within seconds, the gang of birds squawked in answer, running ahead and behind him as he videoed new aviaries, pens, and coops on his new home property.

"They walk around, talk, visit the ducks, and they know at 4:30 p.m. it's feeding time, and run to their little area. A recently donated 40x40 tarp will cover their new home."

When they came into his care, Berkowitz said the turkeys were malnourished, skittish, and nervous. Now, the birds have tripled in size.

They're the happiest flock.

"Though people have asked, we will not adopt out any of the turkeys. All the birds are family. Every afternoon, they run to their pen and eat together. They're truly so funny. The turkeys are the jesters of the Duck Sanctuary now."

Plus, Berkowitz and one of the prized turkeys will lead off the annual San Bernardino Turkey Trot in a few days, according to a request from councilmember Damon Alexander.

"It's insane. But I love it," Berkowitz said.

The new Duck Sanctuary is everything he dreamed of and more, but it won't be complete for quite some time. It sits on seven acres in Anza, scattered with ribbon and manzanita trees, outbuildings, and a small home that needs rehabilitation.

"I bought it as is," he explained of the property once an illegal marijuana grow facility. Now, he and Duck Sanctuary volunteers work daily to rehabilitate and provide for an ever-growing number of ducks, geese, and other fowl visitors he has received along the way.

Berkowitz says the venture is not without obstacles.

Just after move-in, a generator on his new property was stolen, forcing him to use emergency funds to purchase another.

Also, a handful of "bad eggs" regularly complain about his operation and ask for oversight. Still, he works with Riverside County Animal Services and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to inspect the property, lend advice, and ensure no predators are stalking his fenceline. "We'll continue working with all the agencies, and I've made quite a few friends."

Berkowitz is looking for a caretaker to live on-site and help with feeding and routine maintenance.

His needs remain expansive, and funds for the 501(c)3 business are few, but a GoFundMe and donations from his ever-growing fan base are helping. Venmo is @howie-berkowitz zelle is 949-306-5390 and PayPal is wiskerbird@gmail.com.