A Twist On Thanksgiving Turkey: Sherborn Sanctuary Honors Turkeys

SHERBORN, MA — A Sherborn sanctuary is putting a twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey — the bird is still the centerpiece of the holiday but instead of eating it, the sanctuary and it's guests are honoring it. A sold-out event at Unity Farm Sanctuary will allow guests to meet rescued animals, including the turkey, while munching on vegan baked goods.

Unity Farm Sanctuary’s Feed the Turkeys Open House celebration will be on Sunday.

Attendees at the annual holiday event will bundle up and enjoy a casual walk through sanctuary grounds meeting and interacting with more than 60 rescued mammals and 200 birds. The animals include a majestic turkey named Palmer, plus his many turkey friends including Moe, Freddie, Porthos, Frankie, Aramis, and many other bird residents. Guests will meet many other farm animals including alpacas, llamas, horses, ponies, miniature horses, sheep, cows, goats and pigs.

The sanctuary set up live webcams sot that animal lovers who can't make it out can still enjoy watching the animals through Unity's social media postings.

The turkeys on the sanctuary are a lot like people, notes sanctuary co-founder Kathy Halamka, with their own personalities.

"Turkeys have great curiosity and are very social — they always follow visitors and keep everyone company," Halamka said, "Some enjoy being petted on their soft feathers or warm heads, but some are more introspective and shy. Each turkey is a unique individual, forming friendships and bonds with each other and with us. They bring delight to our life at the Sanctuary, and we truly love to see visitors make friends with our turkeys."