MORONI, UT– In a heartwarming turn-of-events captured on Facebook livestream, hundreds of activists with the grassroots animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), including renowned actor James Cromwell and two activists awaiting felony trial for investigating turkey farming giant Norbest, LLC, received 100 turkeys in direct collaboration with Rick Pitman, who is the owner of Norbest on Nov. 19.

This turkey exchange was the result of an unlikely friendship between Pitman and Wayne Hsiung, founder of DxE and one of the felony defendants. Rather than continuing their fight in court, Pitman has stated that he does not support the charges, and the two sides decided on a dramatically different path of generosity just before Thanksgiving.

Hsiung, Cromwell, and hundreds of animal rights supporters traveled to Norbest to provide vegan food to the employees of the plant and other locals. Pitman, in turn, released 100 turkeys to the activists in an act of Thanksgiving mercy.

The birds were immediately taken to local sanctuaries, where they can live out their lives in happy families. Hsiung and Pitman hope to show that even adversaries can show compassion this holiday season.