Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Josh Stein continued a beloved state tradition Thursday afternoon by granting a pardon to a royal turkey pair, Lord and Lady Stanley. The ceremony, part of the governor’s Thanksgiving celebrations, highlighted the governor’s commitment to families and community service.

Royal turkeys earn a second chance

The governor’s office described Lord Stanley as a “larger‑than‑life tom turkey” who “proudly struts through life” and even “flies into tropical cyclones aboard hurricane‑reconnaissance aircraft” to gather weather data. Lady Stanley, the “brilliant scientific force” behind advanced hurricane forecasts, prefers to study storms from a safe distance using satellite imagery and complex mathematics.

Both birds earned their titles in honor of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory last season, adding a playful local sports connection to the event.

Food‑bank partnership feeds families

In a generous gesture, Butterball will donate 500 whole turkeys to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Amy Beros, the food bank’s president and CEO, said the donation will “help make the holidays a little brighter for families throughout our region.” The turkeys will be distributed to families in need, ensuring many North Carolinians can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkeys join local school program

After their pardon, Lord and Lady Stanley will spend their new lease on life with Harrells Christian Academy’s Future Farmers of America chapter in Sampson County. The partnership gives students a unique educational opportunity to learn about animal care, agriculture, and the science of weather forecasting.

Governor’s message

Governor Stein’s office emphasized that the ceremony reflects the administration’s focus on supporting traditional families and strengthening community ties. By linking a light‑hearted tradition with a concrete effort to feed the hungry, the governor underscored the values of generosity, faith, and personal responsibility that guide his leadership.

“Our Thanksgiving turkey pardon is more than a fun tradition—it’s a reminder that we must look after our neighbors and ensure every family has a blessed holiday,” Stein said.

Community reaction

Local residents expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting the governor’s dedication to charitable causes. Many highlighted the importance of the food‑bank donation, especially as families across the state face rising living costs.

The ceremony also provided a moment of levity for the governor’s office, showcasing the state’s unique blend of sports pride, scientific achievement, and faith‑based community service.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.