Donna Gervasi, co-owner of Grayrock Farm Sanctuary in New Jersey, believes that turkeys experience deep emotions.

They express sadness, joy, love, and even grief.

“When we had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize our turkey, Nicholas, I had to shield his brother Elijah’s eyes because he was so distressed,” Gervasi shared. “For several days before, Elijah was right by Nicholas’s side, protecting him from any threats.”

Nicholas wasn’t euthanized due to age or illness. As a genetically modified (GMO) turkey, he was bred to grow excessively large in just a few months for Thanksgiving feasts.

Though he was spared from slaughter, by nine months old, he reached a weight of 70 pounds, making his legs unable to support him.

After struggling with depression following Nicholas’s death, Elijah met a similar fate just two months later.

One evening, he collapsed under his weight and sadly passed away from a heart attack at 11 months old.

In contrast, domestic turkeys that aren’t genetically modified can live up to 10 years, while those bred for consumption are typically slaughtered at just 5 to 6 months old.

Fortunately, Tama, a domestic, non-GMO turkey at Grayrock Farm Sanctuary, is safe and happy in her home. The sanctuary is dedicated to protecting farm animals that have been mistreated or neglected, allowing them to roam freely.

At just two years old, Tama enjoys cuddles and follows her “mom” everywhere she goes.

“She picks one person to shadow, and that’s me,” Gervasi remarked. “She’s like my little shadow. When I sit outside, she curls up next to me and purrs like a cat while I pet her. Sometimes, she even dozes off in my arms.”

During the daylight hours, Tama mingles with the ducks and chickens at the sanctuary, where Gervasi notes that she blends in effortlessly.

At night, Gervasi helps Tama onto a spacious perch that she crafted in the chicken coop to ensure she can rest comfortably. Tama occasionally flies down from her perch in the morning, eager to chat with everyone.

Contrary to common beliefs about wild turkeys, domestic turkeys are not aggressive. Wild turkeys tend to be wary of humans because they are naturally wild animals.

Gervasi’s turkeys have never shown aggression toward her, nor have they attempted to harm any animals. She describes them as affectionate and sweet, craving love and attention much like a dog or cat.

However, they can be challenging pets as they require a farm setting to thrive – they cannot live on concrete – and need opportunities for dust bathing. They are also quite vocal, as is Tama, who loves to “talk.”

While Gervasi used to eat turkey in the past, she has embraced a vegetarian lifestyle for the last ten years. Instead of turkey, she prepares lasagna for Thanksgiving, accompanied by all the traditional vegetarian side dishes, including stuffing, sweet potatoes topped with vegan marshmallows, and green beans.

Gervasi urges anyone who wants to keep meat in their diet to consider purchasing their Thanksgiving turkey from local farms where animals generally receive kinder treatment than those in factory settings.

During hour-long, private tours of Grayrock Farm Sanctuary, Gervasi doesn’t push vegetarianism. Visitors can feed the animals, learn about their traits, and appreciate their individuality. Many people find that such experiences inspire them to embrace vegetarianism on their own, often without Gervasi needing to say a word.

“Everyone is on their own unique path, but visitors form connections with the animals here,” she remarked. “I often hear from past visitors who return and tell me they made changes in their diets, or they have become vegan because of their experiences.”

Gervasi has noted that even in the short time since she opening the sanctuary in 2018, she has noticed a significant shift in how people view animals and their eating habits, especially as the plant-based movement gains traction. Furthermore, she mentioned that individuals are beginning to connect the animals they eat with the animals they cherish.

“People often don’t see farm animals as loving and affectionate beings. However, once you raise them and understand their nature—much like us—you start to realize,” she explained. “I tell people that our sheep, Ben, was meant to be a leg of lamb for Easter dinner, and they respond, ‘I don’t get it—it’s a sheep.’”

The farm will not offer tours from November 30 until April 1, but donations are welcome year-round. They accept items like old blankets and towels; Graham crackers and saltines for goats, pigs, and sheep; mints and pumpkins for horses; canned cat food and treats; and canned vegetables for pigs, chickens, and ducks.

The sanctuary supports its residents partly through student programs and two annual festivals. Gervasi, who personally tends to all the animals, covers the remaining expenses through her work as an accountant in her husband’s contracting firm.

Current residents include three horses, two goats, one sheep, four pigs, seven barn cats, 50 chickens, two roosters, nine ducks, and Tama the turkey.

The journey began with one horse—Gracie, who was purchased by Gervasi’s daughter Samantha using her saved money at the age of 16.

Gracie, a black-and-white American paint horse, had been confined to a stall for years at a different farm and had likely suffered abuse. Samantha fell in love with her during a ride and was determined to provide her with a better life.

Gervasi and her husband, Dave, fully supported the rescue of Gracie. Gervasi had always dreamed of working with animals and establishing a sanctuary, despite spending 30 years in real estate and dealing with allergies to hay, horse hair, goat hair, and cat fur.

The family sold their home in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and bought their farm in Clinton Township through foreclosure. After renovations, Gracie became their first resident, followed by Freckles, a blind horse, and the sanctuary quickly expanded.

“I recognized a need for a farm animal rescue, so I made it my mission to save any animal in need and it simply grew from there,” Gervasi described. “People reach out to me constantly. We aim to help any animals that have been abused or neglected and rehabilitate them, while also promoting compassion for animals among people.”

Jenna Intersimone has been part of the YSL News NETWORK New Jersey team since 2014. Contact her at JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com, follow her on Instagram @seejennaeat, and on Twitter @JIntersimone.