President Obama to Pardon Turkeys Wednesday

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two lucky birds are avoiding the National feasting this Thanksgiving, thanks to President Obama.

Tater and Tot are the last Thanksgiving turkeys the President will pardon. He’ll officially name one as the National Thanksgiving Turkey, but birds will be sent to their new home at Virginia Tech where they will be cared for by veterinarians and students of Virginia Tech’s Animal and Poultry Sciences Department at “Gobbler’s Rest” in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Tater is said to have a strong gobble style and walks with a swagger, while Tot has a confident gobble and a relaxed saunter.

President Obama has had the honor of pardoning multiple birds. In case you missed the previous years, here’s a look back:

2009 – The President officially pardoned not one but two turkeys, sparing both “Courage” and “Carolina” at the request of his compassionate daughters, Sasha and Malia and starting a new tradition.

2010 – After a rigorous competition to win the presidential pardon at home on Foster Farms Wellsford Ranch near Modesto, California, President Obama pardoned both Apple and his understudy Cider. Both turkeys were then sent to live out their days at Mount Vernon, home of our nation’s first President George Washington.

2011 – President Obama pardoned turkeys Peace and Liberty on the North Portico of the White House.

2012 – This year marked the 65th anniversary of the National Turkey presentation and the first time the American people cast their vote via the White House Facebook page to decide which of two turkeys would receive the honor. Cobbler won the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey, but both he and his alternate, Gobbler, received the official pardon.

2013 – This year, White House digital audiences could vote on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for Caramel or Popcorn.

The annual pardon started 69 years ago with President Truman.