Two Thanksgiving turkeys pardoned by President Biden at the White House

President Joe Biden pardoned the 2021 Thanksgiving turkeys, Peanut Butter and Jelly, at a ceremony at the White House on November 19.

The male turkeys came from Jasper, Indiana, and each weigh about 40 pounds, the National Turkey Federation said on Thursday. Though Peanut Butter was officially pardoned, according to reports, both birds will be spared the chopping block, and are scheduled to spend the rest of their lives at Indiana’s Purdue University.

Despite a long history of public interest in Thanksgiving turkeys at the White House, the pardoning tradition was formalized by President George H. W. Bush in 1989, the White House said.

This story was originally published November 21, 2021 at 11:59 AM.