What happens to presidentially pardoned turkeys?

Each year the president of United States pardons a turkey or two: President Obama spared this year’s birds, lovingly dubbed Gobbler and Cobbler. It’s a merciful gesture, for sure. But if these birds aren’t ending up in the oven, where do they go?

According to CNN, presidentially pardoned turkeys make their way over Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate in Virginia.

For six weeks they’re the main attraction in a holiday festival. After that they’re given a “tranquil retirement” at Mount Vernon.

Now you know.