With a one-time gift to support Farm Sanctuary, you can honor the late Ferris, The Underdog of our flock. Your gift will help us care for our rescued residents and advocate for turkeys everywhere. Act now: Honor Ferris!
Ferris turkey was “The Underdog” of our flock because he was saved at the last minute, thanks to another bird—but he found his confidence at sanctuary. The only problem was that he kept being upstaged by his very confident rooster pal, Erol.
Sadly, Ferris passed away this October after we chose him as one of this year’s Adopt a Turkey spokesturkeys. Yet, he lives on in our hearts, and we know that sharing his story can help turkeys everywhere.
Ferris was saved from a feed store where he would’ve been sold. An employee alerted Second Chance Chickens Microsanctuary to a sick bird named Faye at the store—and was convinced to release another bird, too. That’s how Ferris got his second chance.
We welcomed both birds to Farm Sanctuary, where Ferris grew close with a new pal: Erol rooster. They explored and foraged together, spending much of their days side by side. Their bond was one of the heartwarming examples we see at Farm Sanctuary of cross-species friendships, chosen families, and the complex emotional and social lives of farm animals.
But we will admit, their relationship was giving some frenemy vibes, too.
With their looks and charm, Ferris and Erol saw themselves in the leading role. They were both headliners. While we think the “stage” was big enough for both of them, there was always some friendly competition for attention.
Just look at what happened when it was time for Ferris’s close-up. Erol came to the doorway to steal the spotlight, while Ferris could only look on from behind his co-star.
It’s hard to compete with the raw star power of Erol, for sure.
Yet, having won the hearts of his flock and caregivers, Ferris grew confident. He would strut around the sanctuary, not discouraged by his friend’s magnetism.
In fact, Ferris ran the show whenever it was time to eat, and some of our most cherished memories of him played out during mealtime. His favorite treats were blueberries, lentils, and yams. He ran back and forth until he was given his mash, and he was a bird who knew exactly what he wanted. If you gave this foodie dry food, he’d dump it on the ground in protest!
It’s safe to say that all of us at Farm Sanctuary are big fans of the incredible Ferris to this day. Through Adopt a Turkey, we’re honoring his memory. Will you join us?
Have you fallen for Ferris? Symbolically adopt him today!
Your one-time gift will honor his memory and help Farm Sanctuary continue caring for our rescued residents and advocating for animals still suffering in our food system. By honoring Ferris, you are helping farm animals everywhere.
In thanks, we’ll send you an adoption certificate featuring a photo of Ferris and his inspiring rescue story. You can even choose a gift adoption in honor of a special recipient to let them know you’re grateful they’re in your life—like Ferris so deeply cherished his time with Erol.
