W
e are all aware that many turkeys meet their end on Thanksgiving, but for a select pair, a presidential pardon will save them from becoming part of the festive feast.

The whimsical practice of the presidential turkey pardon is thought by some historians to have originated during President Harry Truman’s administration. The chairperson of the National Turkey Federation, an organization that promotes the turkey industry, has the unique responsibility of overseeing the presidential birds. For the current chair, John Zimmerman, raising these special turkeys is a true honor.

While the turkeys may not fully grasp their unique circumstance, it certainly is a privilege for them: “Approximately 40 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving,” shares Zimmerman, a second-generation turkey farmer from Northfield, Minnesota. “Only two are granted a pardon.”

Representing over 2,500 turkey farms nationwide, Zimmerman produces around 4 million pounds of turkeys annually. However, the birds selected for a presidential pardon enjoy particularly plush living conditions. Raised with a mix of polka music and AC/DC, these turkeys will also experience a luxurious overnight stay at the Willard InterContinental hotel, conveniently located just a few blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C.

TIME had the pleasure of speaking with Zimmerman via phone in mid-November about the care and special treatment these birds receive when they are chosen for the presidential pardon. The following discussion has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

TIME: Can you tell us when the tradition of the presidential turkey pardon began?

Zimmerman: The National Turkey Federation first presented a turkey to the President during Truman’s time in office. Initially, the idea was for the bird to be consumed. However, some believe that this custom has roots dating back to Abraham Lincoln, who received a turkey that his son Tad convinced him to spare, making it a pet. The first official presidential pardon was granted by George H.W. Bush. In the years since, pardoned turkeys have found new homes in petting zoos and even made appearances at Disney World.

When did you start raising this particular flock of presidential turkeys?

These turkeys were hatched in mid-July and will be about 18 weeks old by Thanksgiving week, reaching full maturity as males by that time.

What is the reason for raising this specific flock separately from the others?

These birds will participate in the pardon ceremony on the South Lawn, where they will encounter crowds, children, and flashing cameras. It’s essential that the turkeys are well-prepared for such an environment. While they aren’t pets, we interact with them daily—grooming their feathers and helping them acclimate to human presence. We even play music and expose them to different lighting conditions to prepare them for the unexpected flashes from photographers. Previous experiences have shown that startled birds can become quite agitated.

Can you elaborate on how the turkeys are selected for the presidential pardon?

We start with a flock of 44 birds. The selection process really ramps up in the final weeks, focusing on their temperament. We want calm birds that are comfortable around people, so we test them by placing them on a table to observe how long they remain still. Their plumage also plays a role—those with the most striking feathers tend to stand out. Ultimately, we choose the top two based on their appearance and behavior.

What special treatment do these turkeys receive?

Previous chairs of the federation often share their insights on raising these birds. Some suggest that they prefer country or rock music, so we keep things lively with classic rock and a bit of polka to help them adjust to background sounds. We even use a projector to create light displays synchronized with the music, helping them get used to sudden movements and noises.

Occasionally, people bring their pets to introduce the turkeys to other animals, which is all part of ensuring they stay calm and composed for the big day. Interestingly, when we played patriotic tunes, especially bugle calls like Taps and Reveille, the turkeys responded with enthusiasm. We even tried to train them to gobble along to “Hail to the Chief,” but we’ve made slow progress.

That sounds exciting! Did you experiment with any particular rock artists for them?

I’m a fan of AC/DC and Metallica, so those tunes make their way into their playlist. However, nothing seems to grab their attention quite like the sounds of bugles or trumpets.

Have the names for the two turkeys been decided yet?

I don’t have the final say on naming them. We conducted a naming contest at the Minnesota State Fair and collected suggestions from various agricultural leadership meetings. These names will be submitted to President Biden for his final decision. Last year’s turkeys were named Liberty and Bell, while past names have included Pop and Corn, Caramel and Corn, and Peas and Carrots.

When will you know which turkeys will go to the White House?

The turkeys will be transported in a minivan for a 16-hour journey to D.C., with a cozy area lined with shavings in the back. A few days before the ceremony, someone will come to pick them up, and we’ll likely finalize our selection of the two turkeys less than 24 hours before the event.

What happens to the turkeys that aren’t selected for the presidential pardon?

Sadly, they will be processed and consumed just like any other turkey. As I often remind people, while 40 million turkeys are enjoyed on Thanksgiving, only two receive a pardon.

What happens to the pardoned turkeys after the ceremony?

Once pardoned, their lives are spared, and we then need to find them an appropriate home. This year, the lucky turkeys will reside at Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota, which functions as an agricultural interpretive center. It provides visitors, particularly school children, with an opportunity to learn about agricultural history and Minnesota’s food production. The turkeys will enjoy their lives there, contributing to educational experiences for the public.