Thanksgiving often conjures images of turkey dinners and overstuffed pants, but The Gentle Barn has a different idea: why not cuddle a turkey instead?
At this unique farm, turkey cuddling is exactly what it sounds like—a chance to cozy up to a rescued turkey and experience their gentle, intelligent nature. Every year, The Gentle Barn rescues a turkey that would otherwise be slaughtered, giving it a second chance at life and a lot of love. Visitors are invited to spend some quality time with the lucky bird while enjoying wholesome, family-friendly vibes.
A New Kind of Thanksgiving Tradition
Thanksgiving celebrations at The Gentle Barn aren’t new. In past years, the event even included a community dinner, but this year it’s all about turkey cuddles and a slice of vegan pie. With locations in California, Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, the farm offers turkey-cuddling events at all three sites, though ticket prices vary.
For a minimum donation, guests get 90 minutes to interact with the rescued turkey. You can hug them, chat with them, and feed them—basically the turkey equivalent of a presidential pardon, only this time you get to be involved.
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Life After the Cuddles
What happens to the turkeys after their cuddle sessions? Nothing but peace and happiness. They’re not eaten or rehomed—they get to spend the rest of their days safe and content, gobbling away at the farm. And turkeys aren’t the only animals at The Gentle Barn. The farm is home to over 200 rescued animals, including cows that offer “cow hug therapy,” so you can spread the love far and wide.
A Kinder Tradition
The Gentle Barn’s mission is to inspire a more compassionate world, challenging the idea that traditions can’t evolve. In a Facebook video promoting the event, the farm emphasizes that we can create new, gentler traditions, with one staff member saying, “Just because we’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t mean we need to continue.”
They’re inviting everyone to “celebrate turkeys” this Thanksgiving by visiting a Gentle Barn location and cuddling one of their affectionate feathered friends.
How to Join the Fun
If the idea of spending Thanksgiving with a turkey that gives hugs sounds like your kind of celebration, head to one of The Gentle Barn’s three locations. Bring your kids, soak up the warm, fuzzy vibes, and enjoy a memorable experience. Then head home to enjoy all the holiday fixings—minus the turkey, of course.