“Gus” the turkey has been spending Thanksgiving week much differently than millions of other unlucky gobblers across the U.S.

As he trots in a sprawling animal sanctuary on the Colorado plains, he is stopped every few steps by staff who pet him, hug him or even give him a peck on his red face. Gus has been there since 2023 after being pardoned by the governor.

What You Need To Know

A growing number of turkeys are being “adopted” instead of being covered in gravy and eaten at Thanksgiving dinner tables

Farm animal sanctuaries across the country have started promoting this alternative version of Thanksgiving in which families “adopt” turkeys and donate money to their lifelong care

In return, they receive photos, certificates and sometimes even one-on-one visits with the birds

The g

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