TO most people, turkeys are a joke! The very word is sometimes a term of abuse.

But there's a lot more to turkeys than most of us realise.

Wild turkeys are still found in the Americas where they live in small groups in open forest. Their vocabulary is complicated, with different calls to communicate danger or contentment. Running at speeds of up to 20 mph, they are capable of bursting into flight, approaching speeds of 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.

Nesting in trees, females stay with their eggs until they hatch, and never abandon them if predators approach. Mother turkeys continue to take loving care of their brood.

So do you really want to stick such an amazing bird in an oven?

The good news is that you don't have to. Contact Animal Aid for a free cruelty-free Christmas pack, stuffed with delicious alternative recipes and gift ideas. Just telephone our Christmas Hotline 01732 354032, or write to Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW.

KAY HOLDEN,

vegetarian

campaigner.