Jess and Schmidt: Rescued Turkeys Find Their Forever Homes at Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Welcome Our New Turkey Friends!
Have you met our two newest residents, Jess and Schmidt? These two turkeys arrived safely at Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) just a few short weeks ago, and they’re already comfortably settled into sanctuary life. Jess is a fiery lady who’s always got something to say, while Schmidt is a laid-back gentleman of a bird. So far, they’ve been inseparable; wherever one goes, the other isn’t far behind. Pretty soon, they’ll be moving in with our longtime turkey Cecilia (affectionately known as Cece), completing our little “New Girl” trio. Jess and Schmidt have already opened up so much since arriving at CAS, showing us just how deeply peace, love, and quality care can impact these animals.
A Rescue Story: New Friends for Cece
Jess and Schmidt’s journey to CAS is a special one. Cece turkey recently lost her companion, Lady, and was in need of new friends to keep her company. Turkeys are highly social animals, so she was struggling with the loss of her friend. During this time, we learned of another organization that had more turkeys than they could manage. Their male turkeys weren’t getting along and one of them needed a new home. That turkey was Schmidt, and he came as a package deal with his best friend, Jess. We couldn’t say no to helping this pair in need, especially knowing how much their companionship would mean to Cece.
Quarantine and First Impressions
Like all new arrivals at CAS, Jess and Schmidt spent a few weeks in quarantine for health and safety. During that period, our animal care team gave them thorough check-ups, dewormed them, and kept a close eye on their well-being. Both turkeys handled the transition extremely well! Even during quarantine, they found opportunities to show off their big personalities. Our caregivers reported that Jess was fearless from day one; during a repair of a barn door, she stood watching calmly as a loud power drill and saw buzzed away, completely unbothered by the noise. Nothing fazes her! Schmidt, on the other hand, was more reserved in those early days, quietly observing or following staff around. He’s also gained a bit of a reputation as a ladies’ man, and has been known to strut around attempting to “woo” anyone he lays eyes on, including Jess. Thankfully, Jess doesn’t seem to mind, and the two are usually found side-by-side exploring their enclosure together.
Through the quarantine period, it became clear that both of these turkeys are extremely curious and people-oriented, following their caregivers around with intense curiosity. Now that quarantine is complete and Jess and Schmidt are officially part of the sanctuary flock, we’re excited for visitors and volunteers to meet these two characters on one of our official tours!
Fun fact: turkeys have a complex vocabulary, with over 30 distinct vocalizations they use to communicate. We’re pretty sure Jess is fluent in all of them!
From “Food” to Family: The Plight of Turkeys Like Jess and Schmidt
Jess and Schmidt’s happy new life at CAS is a stark contrast to the life other turkeys just like them lead. Both turkeys are white broad-breasted turkeys, the most common “industrial” turkey breed used in factory farming. These birds have been selectively bred through generations to emphasize rapid growth and oversized bodies (particularly breast muscle), all to satisfy the demand for turkey meat. In fact, the white broad-breasted turkey is a completely man-made creation of modern agriculture. In natural conditions, a wild turkey can live ten years or more. But on commercial turkey farms, birds like Jess and Schmidt are slaughtered at a mere 12 to 16 weeks of age, when they are still just babies. To put that in perspective, if a human baby grew at the same rate as an industrial turkey, that baby would weigh a staggering 1500 pounds by 18 weeks old. This type of accelerated growth comes with serious consequences for the animals’ health and comfort.
Because they’re bred to grow so large so quickly, broad-breasted white turkeys unfortunately face a host of health problems. Their skeleton and organs struggle to support their massive, unnatural size. Many suffer from joint pain, leg deformities, and even difficulty standing or walking under the weight of their bodies. Heart disease and heart failure are tragically common, as their enlarged bodies put tremendous strain on their cardiovascular system. Even something as simple as growing a full set of feathers can be a challenge; often these turkeys have patchy feathers because their energy goes into growing tissue instead. Most broad-breasted turkeys also cannot fly at all. Unlike wild turkeys who are able fly to treetops, broad-breasted turkeys are earthbound due to their weight and unusually large breast muscles. Perhaps most cruelly of all, they can’t even reproduce naturally in a factory farm setting; the males are typically too heavy-breasted to successfully mate, so virtually all breeding in the turkey industry is done through artificial insemination.
Jess and Schmidt were never meant to live beyond infancy under the cruel umbrella of industrial farming. They and millions like them are seen as products, not individuals. Each year in the United States, approximately 250–270 million turkeys are killed for the food industry, with about 45 million slaughtered for Thanksgiving alone. Most will never get to live past a few months old, never know fresh air or sunshine, and never form a true friendship.
When we look at Jess and Schmidt, we don’t see “food,” we see two remarkable individuals with their own unique personalities. Their very presence here is a powerful reminder of why Catskill Animal Sanctuary exists. They put a (beautiful!) face to the billions of unnamed animals suffering as a result of animal agriculture. Jess and Schmidt’s story has a happy ending, but it prompts us to ask: what about all the others like them? How do we create a world where all turkeys get to live out their natural lifespans in peace? These questions drive us in advocating for farmed animals and promoting veganism.
Safe and Loved: Sanctuary Life for Jess and Schmidt
Sanctuary life for broad-breasted turkeys like Jess and Schmidt involves specialized care to keep them healthy. At CAS, our staff is well-versed in the special needs of large-breed industry birds. Jess and Schmidt are on a monitored diet to ensure they don’t gain weight too quickly, as we want them to stay fit and take pressure off their legs. They get plenty of exercise roaming their yard, which helps keep their muscles strong and heart healthy. Our team keeps a close eye on their mobility and comfort; joint supplements or pain relief meds will be provided as needed if any arthritis develops (a common issue, especially as broad-breasted turkeys get older). Regular veterinary checkups are part of their new routine, as is lots of enrichment. We provide things like mirrors, treat balls, and even pumpkin or watermelon snacks for mental stimulation. Turkeys are intelligent and easily bored, so giving Jess and Schmidt fun activities keeps their minds as healthy as their bodies. And, importantly, they have each other. The companionship between these two is so important to their health, and soon, they will finally get to meet Cece face to face. We expect an adjustment period, but we’re optimistic that Cece will welcome Jess and Schmidt and that the three will form a comfortable little flock. Turkeys in nature live in flocks with intricate social structures, and our goal is to let them experience that richness of social life here at CAS.
Inspiring Compassion and Change
Their story is already inspiring visitors and supporters to reconsider long-held assumptions. Many people don’t know that turkeys will happily curl into your lap and purr like a cat, or that they enjoy music and will chirp along to songs, or that they have unique voices and can recognize familiar humans. Here at CAS, we’ve seen how educational tours and one-on-one interactions with animals like Jess and Schmidt can ignite a spark of empathy. A child who feeds Jess a treat might go home refusing to eat turkey at Thanksgiving. An adult who hears about Schmidt’s intended destiny might finally decide to stop supporting that industry. These moments of awakening are exactly what our sanctuary strives for. Turkeys and other industry breeds endure some of the worst suffering that humanity has to offer. Jess and Schmidt serve as living, breathing testaments to the idea that every individual life has value.
We celebrate Jess and Schmidt’s new beginning, but we also hold in our hearts the millions of turkeys who won’t get a happy ending. Those are the animals who drive us to keep pushing for change. Every time you choose a plant-based meal over eating a turkey, you’re taking a stand for birds like Jess and Schmidt. Every time you share their story, you’re helping others see turkeys as friends, not food. Advocacy can take many forms, and our new turkey trio will be a big part of ours. Keep an eye on our social media for updates, where we’ll share cute moments and progress as Jess, Schmidt, and Cece become the best of friends. We hope their journey inspires many to speak up for animals and to live with a deeper compassion for all beings.
How You Can Help Turkeys Like Jess and Schmidt
Rescuing and caring for animals like Jess and Schmidt is a labor of love, and a community effort. If you’re moved by their story and want to help, there are several wonderful ways to make a difference:
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- Contribute to Jess and Schmidt’s Rescue Fund: We have a donation fund dedicated to our newest rescues. Every dollar raised goes directly towards their care and well-being, from nutritious food formulated for their needs, to medications and vet visits, to enriching toys and even upgrades to their living space. Donating to their fund is a tangible way to support Jess and Schmidt’s new life and ensure they get everything they need to thrive. (They’ve already received their first rounds of preventative deworming and medical exams thanks to supporter donations!)
Donate to their Rescue Fund - Sponsor a Turkey: Looking for a more personal connection? You can sponsor the care of Jess, Schmidt, or Cece. Your monthly sponsorship helps cover the costs of their care, and in return you’ll receive updates and photos, and even a visit! It’s a beautiful way to form a bond with these birds from afar and to be a special part of their lives.
Sponsor an Animal at CAS - Visit the Sanctuary: Come meet them! Book a tour at Catskill Animal Sanctuary and say hello to Jess, Schmidt, and all of our animal residents in person. Visiting the sanctuary is a wonderful way to stay educated and connected to the animals, and your tour ticket directly supports our continued rescue work and advocacy.
Visit Us For a Public or Private Tour
*If you’re not close by, you can also book a virtual Animals On Call visit! - Choose Compassion at Thanksgiving (and Year-Round): One of the simplest yet most profound ways to help turkeys is to leave them off your plate. Consider trying a plant-based entrée for your holiday meal or explore the many delicious vegan options available these days. Each person who opts out of eating turkey is directly reducing demand for industry breeding and slaughter. It’s a powerful statement of compassion. You can also spread the word! Share Jess and Schmidt’s story at your Thanksgiving gathering and let their tale be an educational moment about why you made a compassionate choice. Every act of advocacy, no matter how small, adds up to big change.
- Contribute to Jess and Schmidt’s Rescue Fund: We have a donation fund dedicated to our newest rescues. Every dollar raised goes directly towards their care and well-being, from nutritious food formulated for their needs, to medications and vet visits, to enriching toys and even upgrades to their living space. Donating to their fund is a tangible way to support Jess and Schmidt’s new life and ensure they get everything they need to thrive. (They’ve already received their first rounds of preventative deworming and medical exams thanks to supporter donations!)
Lastly, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our community of supporters. It’s because of you that rescues like this happen. You are the reason these two turkeys will know peace, comfort, and love for the rest of their lives.
Welcome home, Jess and Schmidt. We’re so glad you’re here!
Love Spoken Here 💚🦃
