Lexington, Ky. – The Southern Heights neighborhood recently unveiled a custom-made memorial to honor the late wild turkey, known affectionately as “Dorothy.” Dorothy, who roamed the area for approximately three and a half years from 2019 to 2022, became a beloved figure in the community before her untimely death last year.
Residents cherished Dorothy during a period marked by the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many seeking joy amidst challenging times, Dorothy provided a source of happiness and comfort. Maggie Whittington, a neighbor, noted, “It was a time when we needed hope and we needed more happiness.” The turkey was named after the character from The Wizard of Oz, symbolizing the community’s quest for joy during hard times.
Throughout her time in the Southern Heights area, Dorothy became a daily sight for residents and even gained popularity at nearby Glendover Elementary School, where teachers incorporated her into their curriculum about wild turkeys. “The students wrote letters to the neighbors in Southern Heights telling them why they should not eat Dorothy for Thanksgiving,” Whittington said, highlighting the affection locals held for her.
Tragically, Dorothy was discovered deceased last year, having suffered injuries that left her unable to fly and leading to sadness among the community members who had watched over and fed her. As Whittington recounted, “We were all unhappy, even sad, because she meant so much to us.”
On the day of the memorial unveiling, nearly 60 neighbors gathered to celebrate Dorothy’s life and the joy she brought to their community. The memorial, built with the help of donations and Hensley Custom Studio, features some of Dorothy’s ashes scattered below it. Whittington emphasized, “What you see on the memorial is actually Dorothy. She was very important to us.”
As the neighborhood continues to honor Dorothy’s memory, they aim to keep her spirit alive through the memorial, creating a point of interest for visitors passing by. The tribute reminds the residents of the joy one wild turkey can bring, reinforcing the community bonds formed during a difficult chapter in their lives.
