Liberation of Valentin the Turkey in Mexico
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

FROM

Nancy Hild, as submitted to United Poultry Concerns (UPC)
May 2014

He is able to puff up for the first time in his life and stroll around the house and garden.

Dear UPC,

It's absolutely fabulous that you are offering materials in Spanish! [See Pollos.]

Although I only have a tiny house right now in the city, this beautiful boy came my way a few months ago and we´re all making it work. A local businessman I see often has had this poor turkey in a two-foot-square cage for over two years – he was to be a Christmas dinner prepared by the man’s mother, and when she died suddenly, he couldn't let the bird go or bear to eat him.

The fellow is a dear man, and I've pestered him all this time to let me give his poor bird a good home.... So this is Valentin and he is able to puff up for the first time in his life and stroll around the house and garden. Such a joy to see him flower and make sweet turkey sounds!

Valentin and two new friends.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Hild

My Mexican neighbors are fascinated and stop for coffee just to sit and visit with him.

As you well know, this is the absolute best way to open discussions about going vegan! Mexico has become a huge poultry producer, number 4 now, I think, and it's absolutely heartbreaking to see this country emulating the US. Valentin is wonderfully affectionate and personable and he is doing a terrific job of getting people to think compassionately about poultry.

Nancy Hild, Mexico and Chicago

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