Many first-timers “burst into tears because they’re so surprised at their unexpected show of affection,” the Gentle Barn’s founder says.
For many families, turkey is the iconic centerpiece of a Thanksgiving meal. But at a sanctuary near Nashville, Tennessee, turkeys are offering warmth in a very different way — through therapeutic cuddles.
Ellie Laks, founder of The Gentle Barn, gently sat beside a turkey named Serena as she explained the experience. “You can sit close, give them kisses on their soft pink heads, and just relax with them,” she said.
The concept is simple: sit down, slow your pace, and bond with a turkey. And the emotional response often takes visitors by surprise.
“Most people who cuddle a turkey for the first time end up crying because they didn’t expect the birds to be so loving,” Laks shared.
Laks opened the first Gentle Barn location in California in 1999. Years later, in 2015, she and her husband expanded to Tennessee — all because of one remarkable cow named Dudley.
Dudley had been badly injured and needed specialized care. After helping him get a prosthetic foot and essential treatment at UT Knoxville, the couple realized they didn’t want to move him across the country, so they started a second sanctuary where he could thrive.
Today, The Gentle Barn cares for more than 200 rescued animals — including turkeys, goats, cows, sheep, and chickens — and has welcomed over a million guests across nearly three decades. Many visitors come specifically to participate in turkey cuddle sessions.
The sanctuary also hosts field trips, private visits, and healing-based programs. “I always dreamed of helping animals and working with them to support people who are struggling,” Laks said.
Volunteer Nicole Downs remembers feeling nervous during her first visit, having never been on a farm before. She began by holding chickens, then tried turkey cuddling — and immediately fell in love.
Now she returns every week, saying the sessions help calm her anxiety. “It’s become my go-to grounding place. It’s therapy I didn’t know I needed,” she said. “Once you try it, you wonder where it’s been all your life.”
Laks says the sanctuary is meant to be a haven — not just for animals, but also for people dealing with stress or emotional challenges.
“As more people struggle with anxiety, I hope they’ll come here and experience the comfort and kindness our animals offer,” she said.
This Thanksgiving, the Tennessee location is hosting a special “Gentle Thanksgiving,” inviting guests to cuddle with turkeys instead of carving them.
Laks believes visitors walk away with a deeper connection to the world around them. “There’s so much kindness and unconditional love in these animals,” she said. “And sometimes, what you really need is a hug — even if it comes from a turkey.”