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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Hallie Golden and Thomas Peipert

The unusual Thanksgiving tradition saving turkeys from the slaughterhouse

Lanette Cook, education and engagement manager at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, hugs a pardoned turkey named Gus that now lives at the rescue. - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Americans are embracing a new Thanksgiving tradition: 'adopting' turkeys rather than consuming them.

Consequently, Gus the turkey is experiencing Thanksgiving week vastly differently from millions of other birds across the US. Trotting through a sprawling animal sanctuary on the Colorado plains, he is frequently halted by staff for pets, hugs, or gentle pecks on his red face.

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