NEW YORK, NY – Humane Long Island rescued two young turkeys and a rabbit from New York City live animal markets this week, giving the animals — now named Mayflower, Plymouth, and Autumn — a second chance at life just days before Thanksgiving.
The nonprofit organization said the rescue was secured through peaceful negotiation, offering vegan food to the market operators in exchange for the animals’ release.
The trio will spend the holiday feasting on pumpkin, cranberries, and vegan stuffing at Humane Long Island’s Riverhead sanctuary, where they are being rehabilitated before permanent placement at accredited vegan sanctuaries.
Rescued animals recovering from injuries and neglect
According to Humane Long Island, both 3-month-old turkeys arrived suffering from injuries consistent with factory farm conditions, including amputated toes, staph infections, and open wounds.
Each will undergo veterinary evaluation and long-term care, alongside Autumn, the rescued rabbit.
“These turkeys are affectionate, inquisitive individuals who love their families and value their lives just as we do,” said John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island. “This Thanksgiving, we encourage everyone to let turkeys live in peace by serving a savory vegan feast we can all be thankful for.”
Event planned to introduce rescued animals
The organization will host a vegan Thanksgiving fundraiser, Thanksliving: A Compassionate Thanksgiving Celebration, on Sunday, November 30, at the Long Island Buddhist Meditation Center in Riverhead.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet Mayflower, Plymouth, and Autumn and learn about Humane Long Island’s animal rescue and advocacy work.
Humane Long Island rescued two turkeys and a rabbit from New York City slaughter markets and will introduce them at a vegan Thanksgiving celebration in Riverhead.
