Peabody celebrates 80 years with famous ducks
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Peabody in Memphis is celebrating the 80th year of being graced by its most famous patrons – a team of ducks that swims in a fountain in the lobby.
Duckmaster Anthony Petrina told The Commercial Appeal the ducks don’t get names, but that may be so he doesn’t get too attached to them.
The birds moved into the hotel in 1933 when the manager and his friends returned from a hunting trip drunk and put live English call ducks in the fountain.
The marches started in 1940 when former circus trainer and duckmaster Edward Pembroke offered to train the ducks.
The ducks retire to a farm in Shelby County after three months of duty.
