(KRON) -- Since 1989 when President George H.W. Bush pardoned an “understandably nervous” 50-pound turkey from being served as Thanksgiving dinner, every U.S. President since has continued the tradition of sparing the fowl gobblers. Best, worst times to drive in Bay Area for Thanksgiving travel Following their pardons, the turkeys are typically released into the care of animal experts, ensuring they live out the rest of their lives peacefully. President Abraham Lincoln is said to have first pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey after his son grew attached and adopted it as his pet, even going as far as walking it on a leash. Decades after President Bush Sr. granted a pardon, following presidents have also let the feathers fly, so to speak. Flip through the slideshow below of freed birds from the last 35 years.