A Wild Turkey Named Siobhan

By Lisa Knox

Last spring, a wild baby turkey was brought to Winslow Farm by a concerned neighbor who found her. Her mother hadn’t returned and she was in dire need of warmth and food. I immediately brought her into the house to get her warm and to begin syringe feedings. I named her Siobhan as a beautiful baby should have a beautiful name!

She responded happily to being held in a soft blanket and enjoyed having something in her belly. She immediately showed curiosity about her surroundings including me and took off in numerous directions to investigate.

At night, I carefully placed her on my chest (on the bed, of course) and put soft fleece blankets around her. Baby birds instinctually crave the comfort of being under their mothers’ wings, so I attempted to offer a loving approximation of this. She would chirp contentedly and thus began our daily and nightly ritual of syringe feedings, explorations and sleeping on my chest. 

She soon was big enough to just enjoy being a wild turkey and went off into the woods surrounding the farm to start her own family. Having had the honor of tending to Siobhan, watching her grow, thrive and enjoy her life with complete purity and joy was humbling, powerful and life changing. This experience makes me long all the more for all animals to be free from violence – to live in peace and to live their lives in freedom and happiness as is their birthright. 

I think the warmth, routine and maybe even my heartbeat was comforting to Siobhan because I can say without hesitation that her presence in my life was nothing short of miraculous. Please join us all at Winslow Farm in working for a world that protects the dignity and sacredness of all animals. They are not to be eaten, experimented on, caged cruelly or harmed in any way. 

Celebrate the seasons and all the days in between with plant-based foods that nourish and delight the senses… Think of Siobhan. Think of all of the animals in this great big world who simply crave peace and joy.  

With love and many blessings to you and yours from all of us at Winslow Farm.