A Happy Thanksgiving for Turkeys
Farm animal sanctuaries are celebrating Thanksgiving with the turkeys, not eating them. Here are some of the celebrations they have planned.
The vegan journey is often propelled by the rush of joy that we feel knowing that we’re saving animals’ lives with our daily choices. But our happiness may come with ambivalence about holiday gatherings. Thanksgiving in particular can cause anxiety for vegans, with its traditional meal that features a prematurely deceased turkey as its focal point. However, despite our fears, the holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to forge new traditions that celebrate animals, rather than sacrificing them. Going vegan doesn’t mean forfeiting Thanksgiving. In fact, with the right plans, the holiday can be even more joyous and meaningful than before.
The vegan movement has grown exponentially in recent years, and there are now myriad ways to celebrate Thanksgiving without causing harm to animals. With the rise of veganism, a growing number of farm animal sanctuaries — that rescue and provide loving homes for abused and neglected farm animals — have opened across the United States. Responding to the traditional animal-unfriendliness of the holiday, today many sanctuaries host Thanksgiving celebrations that honor turkeys, rather than serving them…
