This Thanksgiving many celebrities are looking forward to celebrating turkeys, not eating them! Did you know that Chrissie Hynde, Lea Michelle, Emily Deschanel, Russell Simmons, Woody Harrelson, Coretta Scott King, Sandra Oh and Tobey Maguire all call themselves proud vegans? In fact, there are hundreds of notables who wouldn’t be caught dead noshing on tortured bird flesh. Some other folks you may have heard of shared some of their opinions on our feathered friends with us;
“Save a life this Thanksgiving, and join me in starting a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one through Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project.” – Ellen DeGeneres, Farm Sanctuary’s 2010 Adopt-A-Turkey Project spokesperson
“Turkeys are among the most abused animals on earth. The horrors these smart, sensitive birds routinely endure behind closed doors on our nation’s factory farms, all so that their tortured bodies can be the centerpiece of a holiday celebration about gratitude, are appalling and incongruent with most Americans’ values of compassion.” – John Salley, 4-time NBA Champion and wellness guru
“After spending time with the rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary’s shelter and seeing how similar they are to my furry companion animals at home, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to protect these friendly and curious birds from the daily pain and suffering they endure on factory farms.” – Ginnifer Goodwin, Farm Sanctuary’s 2009 Adopt-A-Turkey Project spokesperson Watch Ginnifer’s Thanksgiving PSAs here!
“If people knew how personable and fun to hang out with turkeys are and if they knew the horrors that turkeys on factory farms go through for their entire lives, I think fewer people would want to take part in supporting factory farming. Honoring turkeys who have been abused by the system, as they embark on their new life on the sanctuary, is a great thing to do.” – Daniela Sea Read the special holiday interview with Daniela here!
Here is a list of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. It’s so simple to create a delicious holiday meal without animal cruelty. I promise no one will miss the turkey! Enjoy!” – Alicia Silverstone
“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and express our gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for. In the true spirit of this holiday, take a moment to think about the importance of all life. By choosing a vegetarian diet, every one of us can take part in ending the cruelty animals endure on factory farms. Like cats and dogs, turkeys are intelligent, social, and sensitive beings who want to live. Give thanks this holiday and save a life.” – Persia White
“There are many ways of giving thanks. Eating turkeys doesn’t have to be one of them. Healthy and delicious vegetarian options now make compassionate holidays easier than ever. This Thanksgiving, join with my family in starting a new tradition that celebrates life and promotes peace for all beings.” – Corey Feldman
“Our family holidays always include our animals. On Thanksgiving, we love to walk around our farm and visit with our rescued pigs, goats, horses, emus and many other rescued animals. We give them all special vegetables that day, and the whole family enjoys a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner. We know that the animals are giving thanks that day, and we are also giving thanks for the joy they bring to our lives.” – Noah Wyle (Tracy, Owen and Noah Wyle’s favorite Thanksgiving treats: Baked yams, mashed potatoes, stuffed squash, and pumpkin pie. Click here for the Wyle family’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes.)
“Every living thing feels pain and should be protected from cruelty. Farm animals are no different.” – Kim Basinger (Kim’s favorite Thanksgiving treats: Squash casserole, sweet potato soufflé, asparagus, meatless tomato basil loaf, and pumpkin pie.)
“I became a vegetarian because when I ate that way I felt better physically, and I couldn’t stand the idea that I was, in some small way, supporting the extreme cruelty of factory farming.” – Casey Affleck (Casey’s favorite Thanksgiving treats: Tempeh, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, gravy, and rice.)
“I like to stuff myself at Thanksgiving, not turkeys. Save a life this holiday season … adopt a turkey instead of eating one.” – Kevin Nealon (Kevin’s favorite Thanksgiving treats: Tofurky and pumpkin pie!)
“We all oppose animal cruelty. But sometimes we forget that animals on farms suffer and feel pain like all other animals. They, too, deserve to be protected from harm and cruelty.” – Charlotte Ross
“Turkeys are misunderstood. Once I adopted turkeys, I understood this large bird to be a great companion. Contrary to popular belief, they are sweet, kind and funny. My adopted girls filled my heart every day with joy.” – Linda Blair
And since you are off work today, and doing little to nothing.. why not check out the behind the scenes goings on at the typical turkey factory “farm”;
Or warm your heart with Karen Dawn’s sweet turkey rescue;
Or laugh your head off at Sarah Silverman’s going veggie moment;