A Sanctuary Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
A Sanctuary Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
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Give Thanks, Become a Guardian This Holiday Season!

What is a Turkey Guardian? It’s someone who stands up for turkeys and supports rescued turkeys living in a sanctuary at The Gentle Barn!

When you make a one-time contribution of $35 (or $150 for the flock), you help fund the ongoing care of our rescued turkeys who live at both Gentle Barn locations and ongoing turkey rescues, along with supporting The Gentle Barn in all of our life-saving work.

As a Turkey Guardian, you’ll receive a special package of THREE digital keepsakes featuring your chosen turkey's photo. You’ll get a beautiful digital certificate, a printable Thanksgiving table card to share with your loved ones, and a custom graphic to proudly share on your social media. Together, we can change the world for these affectionate, intelligent, beautiful animals!

Become a Guardian

Guardianship: $35 Individual / $150 Flock / $1,000 Flock Plus

Romeo
Become a Guardian
for ROMEO

ROMEO

Romeo is the king of the California barnyard and the only turkey dad ever in The Gentle Barn’s history. Deeply devoted to his family, he took part in every step of raising his baby, sitting on the egg so his mate could rest, protecting his family, and teaching his young son good manners as he grew into adulthood. When he isn’t watching over the flock, Romeo loves strutting proudly through the yard, showing off his feathers, and soaking up every compliment that comes his way.

Become a Guardian
for ROMEO

Guardianship: $35 Individual / $150 Flock / $1,000 Flock Plus

Harmony the Turkey
Become a Guardian
for HARMONY

HARMONY

Harmony brings energy and personality to every corner of the barnyard. Rescued alongside her sister Spirit just before Thanksgiving, she spent her early days relying on that sibling bond as they adjusted to their new home. Once she found her confidence, Harmony’s bold, chatty nature took center stage. She keeps the staff entertained with her antics and playful attitude, always making sure her voice is heard.

Become a Guardian
for HARMONY
Compassion the Turkey
Become a Guardian
for COMPASSION

COMPASSION

Compassion spends each day with her best friend, Earl the emu. The two share a calm, trusting bond that has become one of the sweetest friendships at The Gentle Barn. She spends hours grooming and preening Earl, and he stands perfectly still, eyes closed in contentment, until she’s finished. When not keeping Earl company, Compassion enjoys quiet moments in the sunshine, her nurturing spirit visible in everything she does.

Become a Guardian
for COMPASSION

Guardianship: $35 Individual / $150 Flock / $1,000 Flock Plus

Smudge the Turkey
Become a Guardian
for SMUDGE

SMUDGE

Smudge has cataracts and has gradually lost her eyesight, but that hasn’t slowed her down. She loves being held close, leaning into gentle arms while basking in the warmth of the sun. Her calm nature and resilience have made her a favorite among guests, especially those who share similar challenges. Smudge has brought comfort to visitors who are vision-impaired and continues to inspire everyone around her to find joy in simple, quiet moments.

Become a Guardian
for SMUDGE
Grace the Turkey
Become a Guardian
for GRACE

GRACE

Grace has a calm, gentle nature that draws everyone in. When spoken to softly, she slowly closes her eyes as if to take in the warmth and kindness around her. She was the first turkey at The Gentle Barn to lean into cuddles, setting the tone for how trusting and affectionate turkeys can be when treated with love. Whether she’s snuggling up to a guest or settling beside a caregiver for quiet conversation, Grace brings a sense of peace to everyone she meets.

Become a Guardian
for GRACE
Heather the Turkey
Become a Guardian
for HEATHER

HEATHER

Heather was one of the first turkeys rescued at The Gentle Barn in Tennessee, arriving with her two brothers. They grew up inseparable, exploring their new home side by side. When her brothers began to compete, one was relocated to one of our other locations, leaving Heather and her brother Luke to continue their close bond. Since Luke’s passing, Heather has remained a calm, steady leader within the flock, surrounded by care from the other females and extra affection from her team.

Become a Guardian
for HEATHER

THE FLOCK

Turkeys are remarkable animals that have so much healing to offer. Every turkey has a personality all their own. They have favorite foods, daily routines, and special friendships that make them who they are. They are a patriarchal society where the male protects the flock and leads them to food. The females are affectionate, talkative, and attentive to their babies and to each other. They bring color, sparkle, song, and magic to our barnyard, and we are grateful to be able to celebrate and honor them each Thanksgiving and every day. At The Gentle Barn, our turkeys enjoy pumpkin smashes every fall, kale, blueberries, grapes, corn, and cherry tomatoes every morning, pie each Thanksgiving, and cuddles every day. Together with our fabulous birds, we will show the world how affectionate and intelligent turkeys are and create a world where instead of eating them, we all cuddle turkeys and love them!

Become a Guardian
for THE FLOCK
Become a Guardian
for THE FLOCK
Become a Guardian
for THE FLOCK +PLUS

THE FLOCK +PLUS

Become a Turkey Guardian for Romeo, Heather, Grace, Smudge, Harmony, and Compassion, and ALSO get access to a special Zoom engagement with the turkeys and the Founders of The Gentle Barn. Donors will be contacted by email with further details.

Become a Guardian
for THE FLOCK +PLUS

Want to meet the turkeys you're a guardian for in person?
Come to our Gentle Thanksgiving!

Buy Tickets Now!

Rescuing Turkeys Since 1999

Not ready to become a Turkey Guardian? A general donation of any amount is always welcome and goes towards The Gentle Barn, its turkeys and all the animals' needs.
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