Zoo gives turkeys the day off

Turkey pardoning has a long history in the United States, and while the Birmingham Zoo's turkeys are in no way in danger of becoming dinner, they have been officially relieved of their duties for Thanksgiving day through a small ceremony. 

"It's not really a pardon," admitted Dr. Bill Foster, Birmingham Zoo president and CEO. "It's more of a day off."

Despite a depleting population in the 18th and 19th centuries, the wild turkey has grown to become the most abundant turkey species in the United States with the help of conservation efforts and is native to Alabama. They are also an iconic bird for this holiday season. 

Now, in honor of Thanksgiving, the zoo's turkeys, Mr. Big, Eleanor, Lady Bird and Mary Todd, will be able to relax and enjoy a holiday meal of cracked corn, a poultry mix and meal worms this Thursday. Even though the zoo will be closed, dedicated staff members will still be coming in to feed them, Foster said. 

"Of all the turkeys in the metro Birmingham area, we have four happy, healthy and thankful turkeys this Holidays season," Foster said.