Watch news story on WFMZ.com!
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A local turkey is celebrating having a new lease on life. He’s been spared from the dinner table, thanks to a retirement home in Lehigh County.
Hershey, the chocolate turkey, isn’t your average brown-feathered bird.
“Hershey is super friendly. He’ll jump on her lap, and he loves worms and pumpkins and fruits and vegetables,” said Abigail Frantz, the owner of Moon Spot Farm.
He’s also one really lucky duck.
“We brought him today for a turkey pardoning,” explained Frantz.
Hershey now gets to roost with peace of mind. Forget the dinner table; the only place Hershey’s headed is greener pastures.
“He will just be hanging out on the farm and eating his pumpkins and worms,” said Frantz.
Frantz says Hershey will get to run around with his chicken, duck, and goat friends, along with her daughter, Aurora.
He got his new lease on life, thanks to Fellowship Community in Whitehall Township, a retirement home in Lehigh County.
It’s an annual tradition during a popular time of year.
“We have done it every year. The residents really enjoy this. They like to see the turkey,” said Director of Activities Kim Cseh.
“This is absolutely a positive event. Any time we bring in live animals, it’s, it’s a group favorite, so, and nobody wants to see a live animal taken advantage of just because of a holiday. We are here to save it,” said President and CEO Mary Kay McMahon.
The gesture of compassion is just a part of their holiday celebration. There’s community, joy, and gratitude all around.
“There is nothing better than to have great entertainment for our residents and see the smiles on their faces and to make sure that they’re engaged in the holiday celebration,” added McMahon.