Home / Education / NC State Welcomes Presidential Turkeys for Thanksgiving
NC State Welcomes Presidential Turkeys for Thanksgiving
27 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Two pardoned turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, retired at NC State.
- The turkeys were raised on a farm in North Carolina.
- North Carolina is a major poultry producer, leading in turkey production.
This Thanksgiving, North Carolina is hosting two distinguished guests: Gobble, the 2025 National Thanksgiving Turkey, and his alternate, Waddle. Following their Presidential pardon, these two birds have retired to NC State University. This marks the second time the university has provided a home for the National Thanksgiving Turkeys, with past residents Chocolate and Chip having been hosted in 2022.
Both Gobble and Waddle have deep roots in North Carolina, having been raised on a farm in Wayne County. Their presence is a point of pride for the state, a major national poultry producer. Beyond their retirement, the turkeys will act as educational ambassadors, offering unique learning opportunities for students, the turkey industry, and the general public.
North Carolina's significance in turkey production is substantial, leading the nation in output by weight and ranking second in total numbers. The broader poultry industry contributes an estimated $40 billion annually to the state's economy. These educational initiatives aim to teach younger generations about food production, emphasizing healthy, safe practices and animal welfare.
