We’re delighted to introduce you to Tilly, the newest resident at Goodheart Animal Sanctuary. Her story is nothing short of remarkable!
In August 2025, as turkeys were being unloaded for slaughter at a farm, one young bird made a desperate bid for freedom. Against the odds, she managed to escape and ended up in a nearby garden. The kind person who discovered her kept her safe with food and water but knew she needed a forever home far from harm. That’s when Tilly came to Goodheart.
Like all new arrivals, Tilly spent her first days in quarantine so we could check her over. Once she was given the all-clear, Tilly was able to explore one of our grassland areas, giving her time to settle in and find her feet before meeting her new turkey friends.
It’s likely she had never even felt grass beneath her feet before. Watching her explore the sanctuary for the very first time was a moving sight, and we can’t wait to see her flourish.
Sadly, Tilly’s story is far from typical. Around 14 million turkeys are farmed in the UK every year, most reared intensively for meat. The majority live in vast, crowded sheds with little space to move, unable to express their natural behaviours like foraging, dust-bathing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. These birds are typically slaughtered at just four to six months old – a fraction of their natural lifespan, which can be ten years or more.
Tilly herself is from one of the breeds selectively bred for meat production. These turkeys are bred to grow unnaturally large very quickly, which often leads to painful leg problems, breathing difficulties, and shortened lives. Sadly, this means Tilly may face health issues in the future as a result of the way she has been bred. Here at the sanctuary, however, she will receive the very best care, with plenty of space, enrichment, and attention to help her live as comfortably as possible.
Tilly’s journey from fear to freedom is a powerful reminder of the resilience of farmed animals and the importance of sanctuaries like ours. We’re so proud to welcome her into the Goodheart family and grateful that her story can shine a light on the lives of turkeys everywhere.
Sponsor Tilly the turkey for a one-off payment starting from just £15, or choose a rolling monthly sponsorship amount of your choice. Your donation goes towards the care of Tilly and her friends here at the sanctuary, plus, we’ll send you a special sponsorship pack to say thank you!
