Turkey obituary something to think about

December 2, 2005

Spectrum\Toni Truesdell

Theodore Turk, 6 months, died not so peacefully with family in attendance. (It is rumored that they, too, met a similar fate.) Theodore was born to Theona Turk (father unknown, as domestic turkeys have been bred to be so much larger than the original wild turkeys that they can no longer breed by themselves and are artificially inseminated).

As a young turkey Theodore enjoyed dust baths, preening and foraging for food. Life was good to him on the small Oregon farm, unlike the horror stories he had heard of factory farms from others in his flock. Stories were told of birds fed hormones and antibiotics to gain weight rapidly, and in doing so their joints were swollen and legs were crippled.

He had heard of birds that were housed in 3-foot cages, mired in waste and urine, beaks sliced off without anesthetic, toms milked for their semen and hens forcefully inseminated, and deaths that were akin to a Holocaust death camp.

Theodore's situation was decidedly better. This small family farm was an exception to the rule, where a mere 10 turkeys were raised with ample space and abundant food.

What Theodore was unaware of was that his days were numbered. Now tipping the scales at a portly 22 pounds, Theodore noticed an ominous look in his keeper's eyes.

Theodore was preceded in death by his mother, Theona Turk; sister, Tessa Turk, and brother, Thadius Turk, all of Sunny Dale, Ore. One younger brother, Terrance Turk, also of Sunny Dale, Ore., survives Theodore.

No memorial service or funeral will be observed. Portions of Theodore will be laid to rest in the graveyard of human consumption.

Donations can be made to the Alaska Vegetarian Society, a local nonprofit organization that promotes a healthy, compassionate diet that is devoid of animal products.

I write this timely obituary at this holiday season where turkeys are often considered little more than a centerpiece. In reality, they are social, playful birds that enjoy the company of others.

My mother raised turkeys, and although they weren't always known for their high IQs (not unlike some humans we all know), they possessed personalities as varied as cats and dogs. Her turkeys all had names and came running when called, knowing they would receive a treat. They relished having their feathers stroked and would chirp and cluck when my mother spoke to them.

One in particular took a liking to me. She would follow me around the yard, pecking at my feet until I would give her grain. I would sit and watch her preen and take her daily dust baths. She would often settle herself in the soil near my feet.

One day, alone in the yard, I was singing. This turkey hen began to chirp along with me. I swear that when I would stop, she would stop. When I would sing, she would chirp. It was a delightful experience.

Ben Franklin called the turkey &#8220a bird of courage” and &#8220a true original native of America.” He even suggested naming the turkey, instead of the eagle, as our national bird.

Domestic turkeys have been genetically modified to gain weight because fatter turkeys mean more profit for farmers. In nature, turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. The natural lifespan of the turkey is between 10 and 12 years, but on factory farms they are slaughtered at 5 months old.

In nature, chicks stay with their mothers for up to the first five months of their lives. Their bond is close, and a mother turkey will defend her family against predators.

Male turkeys, or &#8220toms,” are bigger and have more colorful plumage than female turkeys, or &#8220hens.” The males attract females with wattles, colorful flaps of skin around their necks, and tufts of bristles that hang from their chests.

Many respected researchers have spoken out on behalf of this intelligent bird. Oregon State University poultry scientist Tom Savage says, &#8220I've always viewed turkeys as smart animals with personality and character, and keen awareness of their surroundings. The ‘dumb' tag simply doesn't fit.”

Even a popular turkey-hunting guide admits that turkeys are far from feather-brained. According to the Remington Guide to Turkey Hunting, turkeys will &#8220test your wits as they are rarely tested in modern life.”

On Nov. 22, President Bush gave the traditional presidential pardon to two turkeys, &#8220Marshmallow” and alternate &#8220Yam,” both from Henning, Minn. This year marks the 58th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation to then-President Harry S. Truman. For the past 15 years, the pardoned turkeys and their alternates have been retired to Frying Pan Park in Fairfax County, Va.

As Christmas approaches and menus are prepared, perhaps we, too, might show compassion and pardon turkeys and other fellow creatures, so that they will not have to give their lives that we might consume them. German-born American Physicist Albert Einstein once wrote, &#8220Our task must be to free ourselves Š by widening our circle of compassion, to embrace all living creatures, and the whole of nature and its beauty.”

Toni Truesdell is a member of the Alaska Vegetarian Society, which promotes healthy lifestyles through meat-free diets. Find out more at www.alaskaveg.org.