What are these turkeys doing in the luxury hotel?

Title: Turkeys Stroll in Luxury: The Unusual Guests at the Willard InterContinental

In the heart of Washington D.C., the four-star Willard InterContinental Hotel became an unexpected hot spot last Sunday. Two turkeys, Liberty and Bell, dazzled visitors and the media, turning heads with their unexpected appearance at this historic landmark.

The duo's luxury stay is a tradition, as each year they end up in the White House, just 482 meters away, instead of on the Thanksgiving table. They'll soon be pardoned by the U.S. President in the Rose Garden.

A ceremony celebrated since the 19th century, the presidential family receives a grand turkey feast before the Thanksgiving holiday. The tradition of pardoning the turkey is often linked to President Abraham Lincoln. However, it might have first originated with another president, like JFK or Harry Truman. The exact origin remains debated .

This year, President Joe Biden will pardon the famous "Liberty" and "Bell," who will then return home to Minnesota. Students from the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences will care for them until their natural end .

Unlike their luxurious stay, not all presidents have partaken in this Thanksgiving tradition. President Obama, during his term, chose not to spare any turkeys .

As the festive season approaches, people are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. 46 million turkeys are estimated to be served at the holiday table, including the famous "Holidays USA" turkey.

Enrichment Data:

1. The tradition of pardoning turkeys at the White House emerged in the 1940s, with President Harry S. Truman's decision to spare a turkey for a friend's family meal. President John F. Kennedy is the one most often credited with popularizing this tradition in 1963 .
2. After being pardoned, the turkeys are often sent to live at farms or parks. For instance, geese pardoned by President Bush were sent to California's Frying Pan Farm Park . However, the sources provide no specific information about Liberty and Bell's post-pardon plans .