Turkey is, of course, the anchor of the Thanksgiving dinner table.

But at one local animal sanctuary, you can experience what these birds have to offer besides a meal.

Slowing down at the barnyard

An emu, a pig, a few sheep and an inquisitive lama named Joaney look on as Cheyanne Weiner, a program specialist at the Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, opened the gate to a barn enclosure.

“Hi guys, good morning!,” Weiner said, as several white, female turkeys came rushing out. There’s Forgiveness, Justice and Grace. Most of the turkeys here were rescued from Thanksgiving dinner.

“The stereotype is that turkeys are mean or stupid or not very affectionate," Weiner said. "They love to cuddle and they love people most importantly. They just love to be loved.”

How to get cuddles

For a donation t

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