The Flock

Sponsored by
Melissa Serenda,
Tamara Rhodes

On an ordinary day in September 2021, we were alerted to an urgent situation involving eight turkeys living without shelter at the site of a demolished factory farm in Northwest Iowa. A tornado had destroyed all of the confinement buildings, but somehow a small group of birds had survived. Sadly, the vulnerable survivors were left to fend for themselves, without protection from predators or the elements.

Much to our surprise, the farmer graciously agreed to let us rescue the turkeys if we could catch them, so we rushed to reach them before it got dark. When we arrived, we found the little flock huddled together—a white cloud of fearful feathers amid the vast and desolate landscape. We patiently guided the survivors into the safety of our rescue van and drove them away from their painful past. 

When they first arrived at our sanctuary, the turkeys were very timid and fearful of their human caregivers. But after just a few days, they all blossomed into social, curious, happy, and assertive individuals. They are a deeply bonded flock–always moving together as a unit. We will never forget their happy little freedom chirps as they explored their new home for the first time. They love snuggles, treats, and long conversations–they always have so much to say!

We’re so thankful that the farmer chose to surrender the survivors; he didn’t have to act with compassion, but he did. We know that these precious souls experienced horrific trauma during their confinement and during the tornado that nearly took their lives. But if Mother Nature hadn’t set them free, they would have become someone’s dinner. Instead, they will live the remainder of their natural lives knowing nothing but love, safety, and freedom.

Flock members James, Hugo, Henry, and Morpheus are still with us, but we have sadly had to say goodbye to Jimmy, Julian, Hank, and Neo.