Meet the rescue barn where turkeys get cuddled in between their acupuncture appointments — and one goat without hooves gets a wheelchair for his pains

Key Takeaways:

• The barn provides therapeutic care beyond conventional pets, including turkeys and goats.
• Turkeys receive acupuncture and cuddles in a nurturing environment.
• Founder Ellie Laks emphasizes the emotional and healing strength of all animals.
• One goat without hooves uses a wheelchair for mobility support.
• Published by Fortune on November 27, 2025.

A Sanctuary Beyond Expectations

A rescue barn, led by founder Ellie Laks, is turning heads by offering innovative treatments typically reserved for household pets—only this time, the patients include turkeys. Visitors to the barn often find these birds receiving acupuncture and snuggling with volunteers, aimed at providing comfort and relief from stress.

Expanding Therapeutic Horizons

“The world has started to recognize that dogs, cats, horses have a therapeutic value to them,” says Laks. “Why not turkeys?” She believes that all animals, regardless of species, can benefit from and provide healing through close contact with humans. By offering turkey cuddles, the barn challenges the notion that only certain kinds of animals are fit for emotional support or therapy.

Caring for Special-Needs Animals

In addition to tending to turkeys, the barn is home to a goat with no hooves who gets around with the help of a wheelchair. This effort underscores the sanctuary’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for animals that might otherwise be overlooked. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure every creature receives the best possible care.

Shifting Perspectives on Animal Care

By focusing on practices like acupuncture, gentle contact, and assistive devices, this barn illustrates a broader evolution in animal rescue. While dogs and cats remain at the forefront of therapy-animal recognition, the work happening here suggests that turkeys, goats, and other overlooked species can find their place—and healing potential—alongside traditional companion animals.