Appealing to a growing number of vegan and vegetarian families, today Woodland Park Zoo hosted its first Thanksgiving Day tofurky petting zoo to wide acclaim.
“Children across the country who eat turkey often get to see in-person the live birds they will later ravenously feast on to get into the Thanksgiving spirit – why should it be any different for kids who eat Tofurky instead?” said Woodland Park Zoo spokesman Evan Smith. “Vegan and vegetarian children are just as deserving of chasing, annoying and terrorizing the hell out of their Thanksgiving dinners before they eat them too.”
Animal trainers wowed the day’s visitors with educational Ambassador Animal, Mordor the tofurky vulture.
“Okay, kids, pet gently – he’s made of a rare homemade seitan, not soy protein, so he’s very fragile,” said trainer Jackie Biggs. “And whatever you do, don’t look at him straight in the eyes because he doesn’t have any, and it’s very creepy.”
Several parents said they hope to make visiting the tofurky petting zoo an annual Thanksgiving tradition.
“I just want little Katie to know where her food comes from before we visit my partner’s hippie sister for Thanksgiving today,” said parent Laura Goff. “I think the one that gave up on running away from her really liked her!”
Woodland Park Zoo said the holiday petting zoo was such a success that they’ve already extended its run through Christmas with plans for additions, including impossible animals, jackfruit rabbits, and beyond Christmas roast beast.
