Gov. Polis makes history by pardoning four turkeys, sparing them from the Thanksgiving table.
This marks the first official turkey pardon in Colorado's history.
The turkeys, affectionately named Gus, Maple, Matilda, and Pumpkin by the governor's children, were given a special night at the governor's mansion in Denver before the announcement.
President Harry S. Truman fingers the wattle of a 35-pound tom turkey from Oregon in the White House Rose Garden on Nov. 18, 1952. (Photo: AP)
The significance of this pardon lies in the recognition of the challenges faced by poultry farmers due to the avian influenza outbreak. This outbreak has resulted in the loss of over 6 million birds across the state, causing significant financial strain on farmers.
President Ronald Reagan seems startled as John Hendrick, President of the National Turkey Federation, presents him with the annual Thanksgiving turkey at the White House on Nov. 16, 1984. (Photo: AP)
Governor Polis's pardon aims to honor these farmers and bring attention to their plight.
In addition, Governor Polis plans to establish a new Thanksgiving tradition in Colorado by pardoning turkeys each year. This echoes the long-standing tradition at the White House, where presidents have been pardoning turkeys annually for decades.
The National Turkey Federation has been presenting a turkey to the president every year since 1947, with the official pardoning tradition commencing under President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
On November 21, 2017, President Donald Trump continued the tradition by pardoning Drumstick and Wishbone in the Rose Garden. "That’s a big bird. Wow. I feel so good about myself," said Trump right before the pardoning. (Photo: AP)
As for the four lucky turkeys, they will spend the remainder of their lives at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Weld County. This sanctuary will provide them with a safe and peaceful environment where they can live out their days.
By establishing this new tradition, the governor hopes to bring attention to the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting animal welfare.