When her guardian purchased a home in New Jersey, Trudy was included as free with the house, as though this living bird were a piece of furniture. While her new caretaker’s heart was in the right place, Trudy was not safe from harm. Her chicken friends were all killed when attacked by a fox. Trudy suffered injuries, but thankfully, with veterinary care, she survived.

Her guardian knew that Trudy would be lonely without the company of other birds but did not want to put more chickens or turkeys in danger. So, she asked Farm Sanctuary for help. 

While we can’t be sure what was originally to be Trudy’s fate, birds of her breed (the broad-breasted white turkey) are typically raised and killed for meat – but today, Trudy is safe and sound at our sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York.

When an animal arrives at Farm Sanctuary, our caregivers ensure the newcomer is healthy and ready to join our other rescued residents. During this quarantine period, birds like Trudy are in a comfortable and welcoming setting that our caregivers have created, complete with enrichment and treats. As bird flu (avian influenza) continued to be a deadly threat to animals, Trudy was seen by a veterinarian and tested negative for the illness.

Trudy has found a permanent home with us and will never need to find a safe haven again. Soon after she arrived, Trudy was among our rescued turkeys honored with a special feast for our 2023 Celebration for the Turkeys. At Farm Sanctuary, turkeys are our cherished guests — always at, and never on, the table.

She has since joined her flock and happily settled into life at Farm Sanctuary. Trudy is the snuggliest bird, happily purring as she cuddles many of our delighted staff members.

Have you ever snuggled a turkey? We 10/10 recommend!

Trudy turkey snuggles Luke Hess, Content Producer.

Trudy’s personality is shining through now that she has the freedom and security of sanctuary. While she loves getting treats, she enjoys human affection even more. 

Her caregivers describe Trudy as super sweet and very talkative. Did you know that turkeys have 28 distinct calls they use to communicate?

Trudy is showing off her dance moves.

Sweet and social, Trudy is an inspiring example of the empathy and resilience found in farm animals when we take the time to see them for who they are. Trudy lived through a harrowing experience. She is a survivor, strong and brave. Yet, she also shows us that there is strength in kindness. Despite what she’s been through, she is snuggly and affectionate. We can all learn from Trudy’s capacity for love and connection.

Sadly, most turkeys are not given anything to be thankful for.

Each Thanksgiving, tens of millions of social and sensitive turkeys are killed. Nearly all of them spend their four months of life suffering and confined on factory farms. Alarmingly, many are conscious when slaughtered.

Farm Sanctuary is home to many turkeys saved from that fate, including factory farming survivors like Tutu. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of kindhearted individuals to help us take birds like Trudy and Tutu under our wing.

Supporting Farm Sanctuary is one of many ways you can impact turkeys’ lives all year round.

Here are seven quick and easy actions to help get you started as an animal activist today.