In a White House tradition that dates back to President Harry S. Truman
in 1947, two turkeys were given Thanksgiving pardons by President
George W. Bush Tuesday.
According to the Detroit Free Press,
the turkeys were chauffeured to the White House in the back of a black
flex-fuel Ford F-150 pickup truck for the event, which is sponsored by
the National Turkey Federation and the Walt Disney Company.
The
F-150 then carried the two pardoned turkeys (named "May" and "Flower")
to Dulles International Airport. From there, they were flown to
Walt Disney World, where the feathery pair will strut as honorary grand
marshals for Disney's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The duo will then live
"happily ever after" as part of the resort's permanent live-animal
collection.
How
long could that be? Apparently, modern turkeys are genetically bred to
put on weight quickly and to live only as long as they are good for
eating, usually about six months. However, it's been said that some
turkeys have lived as long as three years in captivity.
In a nod
to Disney's successful Super Bowl advertising campaign, Disney
spokesman Duncan Wardle said "I think, if the turkey could speak, he'd
say he's 'going to Disney World.' "
Gobble, Gobble!
By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor
automotive advice for women
