W
e’re all aware of what typically happens to turkeys on Thanksgiving, but for a lucky pair, a presidential pardon ensures they won’t end up on anyone’s dinner plate.
The amusing practice of the presidential turkey pardon is thought by some historians to have originated during Harry Truman’s presidency. The National Turkey Federation, an organization that promotes the turkey industry, has the unique responsibility of presenting these special birds to the President. For John Zimmerman, the current chair, raising these turkeys is a remarkable honor.
While the turkeys may not grasp the significance of their situation, it is indeed a special moment for them: “Approximately 40 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving,” notes Zimmerman, who hails from Northfield, Minnesota and is a second-generation turkey farmer. “Only two are granted a pardon.”
Representing over 2,500 turkey farms nationwide, Zimmerman produces about 4 million pounds of turkeys annually. However, the lucky birds selected for a presidential pardon lead particularly extravagant lives. These turkeys, exposed to a unique blend of polka tunes and AC/DC, will enjoy a luxurious stay at the Willard InterContinental hotel, just a stone’s throw from the White House in Washington, D.C.
TIME had the chance to chat with Zimmerman over the phone in mid-November to discuss the unique care and special treatment these birds receive upon being chosen for the presidential pardon. The following dialogue has been edited for clarity and brevity.
TIME: How did the tradition of the presidential turkey pardon begin?
Zimmerman: The National Turkey Federation first presented a turkey to a President during Truman’s time in office. Initially, the intention was to serve the bird as a meal. However, some people reference a prior incident involving Abraham Lincoln, who received a turkey that his son Tad persuaded him to spare, turning it into a pet. The first official presidential pardon of a turkey occurred under George H.W. Bush. Over the years, these pardoned turkeys have found homes in petting zoos and even paraded at Disney World.
When did you start raising this specific flock destined for the presidential pardon?
These turkeys hatched in mid-July and will be around 18 weeks old by Thanksgiving week, fully matured males by that time.
What makes this flock special compared to your other turkeys?
These birds will participate in the pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn, where they’ll encounter crowds, children, and the flash of cameras. It’s crucial that they are well-prepared for such an environment. While they’re not pets, we interact with them daily, grooming their feathers and helping them get used to human presence. We even play music and expose them to different lighting conditions, ensuring they are ready for any unexpected flashes from photographers—past experiences have shown that startled birds can react quite dramatically.
Can you explain the selection process for the turkeys chosen for the presidential pardon?
We start with a flock of 44 turkeys. The selection process begins in the final weeks leading up to the event, concentrating on their temperament. We prefer birds that remain calm and comfortable around people, so we test them by placing them on a table to observe how long they stay still. Their appearance also plays a role—those with the most striking feathers tend to stand out. Ultimately, we select the top two based on their looks and behavior.
What kind of special care do these turkeys receive?
Previous chairs of the National Turkey Federation often share their insights on raising these birds. Some have indicated that they respond well to country or rock music, so we mix in classic rock with a touch of polka to help them get used to background sounds. We even use a projector to create light shows synchronized with music, aiding them in adjusting to quick movements and noises.
Occasionally, visitors bring their pets to help the turkeys socialize with other animals. This is all part of our strategy to keep them calm and collected for the big day. Interestingly, when we play patriotic music, especially bugle calls like Taps and Reveille, the turkeys respond quite energetically. We even tried to teach them to gobble along to “Hail to the Chief,” but our efforts have been slow to progress.
That sounds quite exciting! Did you experiment with any particular rock musicians?
I’m a fan of AC/DC and Metallica, so they definitely listen to a good amount of that music. However, nothing seems to pique their interest quite like the sounds of bugles or trumpets.
Do you have any names in mind for the two birds?
I don’t have the authority to name them myself. We ran a naming contest at the Minnesota State Fair and gathered suggestions at various agricultural leadership meetings. These names will be submitted to President Biden, who will make the final selection. Last year’s duo were named Liberty and Bell, while previous names have included Pop and Corn, Caramel and Corn, and Peas and Carrots.
When will you find out which turkeys are heading to the White House?
The turkeys are transported in a comfortable minivan for the 16-hour journey to D.C. They’ll have a cozy area filled with shavings in the back of the vehicle. A few days before the ceremony, someone will come to pick them up, and we will likely finalize the selection of the two lucky turkeys less than 24 hours before the event.
What happens to the turkeys that don’t receive a presidential pardon?
Regrettably, they will be processed and served just like any other turkey. As I often remind folks, while 40 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving, only two are granted a pardon.
Where will the pardoned turkeys go after the ceremony?
Once pardoned, their lives are saved, and we must find them a suitable place to live. This year, the pardoned turkeys will find their home at Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota, an agricultural interpretive center. This facility offers visitors—particularly school children—a chance to learn about agricultural history and food production in Minnesota. The turkeys will live out their days there, contributing to educational opportunities for the public.
