WATKINS GLEN, N.Y -- Turkeys and Thanksgiving go hand in hand.
With the holiday just days away, a local farm is taking the time to honor their feathered friends.
Hundreds came out to the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen for its annual "Celebration for the Turkeys."
"The celebration for the turkeys is our way of turning the tables so the turkeys are our friends, not our food," said Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary president. "They are the guests of honor, not the main course."
Turkeys that live on the farm got to enjoy a special spread of pumpkin pie, cranberries and salad.
"They jump on the table and get very enthusiastic about pumpkin pie like a lot of us might," said Baur.
Those in attendance also got to hang out with the animals and learn a little bit more about their personalities with some even taking selfies and petting them.
"Turkeys are individuals just like other animals just like cats and dogs. We have turkeys that follow you around like puppy dogs for example. Sometimes they sit on your lap," Baur said.
"I think it's important for people to be able to come here and see them in this setting," said Senior Shelter Manager, Tara Hess. "They are free to be able to do whatever they want to do. They can run free, they can have friends and form relationships."
The Farm Sanctuary's mission is to prevent animal cruelty, change how farm animals are treated, and promote a compassionate lifestyle.
Members say 236 million turkeys are slaughtered each year, 46 million on Thanksgiving alone.
"Farm Sanctuary works to change how society views and treats farm animals," said Baur. "These are living, feeling creatures who are treated terribly."
The Farm Sanctuary has been around for over 30 years and during that time period they’ve saved thousands of turkeys.
"Even if we could do ten thousand more a year we will never make a dent in that 236 million," said Hess. "So what is important is to bring attention and have people meet turkeys and form connections."
Members say it's all about small life style changes.
"Its getting easier and easier to eat plant foods instead of animal foods. There stuffing, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, breads.. so eating vegan is getting easier. Take small steps substituting animal products with plants," said Baur.
Members say those changes don't need to happen overnight, but they hope spreading awareness will help to make a difference.
"All animals have feelings, they deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion," said Baur. "And if we can live well without causing any harm why wouldn’t we."