Photo: farm sanctuary
Rooney MaraandJoaquin Phoenixare encouraging everyone to go cruelty-free this holiday season.
The couple, who areoutspoken vegans— want to spread the word about adopting a turkey, not serving one, on Thanksgiving. Mara, 36, and Phoenix, 47, visited the Farm Sanctuary in Acton, California, on Saturday, where they spent time with rescued turkeys. Now, they hope others will join Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey initiative.
“Turkeys are emotional, intelligent, and social animals. It’s chilling that more than 68 million turkeys will be brutally slaughtered and eaten during the holiday months alone,” Mara and Phoenix said in a joint statement shared with PEOPLE.
“By adopting a turkey throughFarm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey Project, you are not only supporting the rescue of animals caught in the brutal factory farming industry, but you are also protesting animal agriculture’s immoral treatment of workers, and its dominating role in accelerating the climate crisis,” they continued. “In this season of giving, please join us in adopting a turkey, and leaving them off your plates.”
Phoenix and Mara’s latest message comes after the couplepaired upwith fellow veganBillie Eilishto petitionPresident Joe Bidento send pardoned turkeys to Farm Sanctuary this year instead of giving them to farms, zoos or universities.
farm sanctuary
“As we approach the holiday season — meant to be a time of gratitude and goodwill — we hope you’ll accept our offer to provide sanctuary and the best life possible for pardoned turkeys,” the petition reads, in part. “Here, they will have the opportunity to dust bathe, feel grass beneath their feet, enjoy a robust social life, and receive personalized care.”
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Along with Farm Sanctuary,The Gentle Barnis also working to rescue turkeys this season.
The non-profit announced its newTurkey Guardian Campaignthis month, which gives people the chance to become “sponsors or guardians” to one of five turkeys with a one-time donation of $35. Participants can also take on the whole flock for $150.
source: people.com
