When it comes to the Peabody Hotel, one might expect grandiose decor, exceptional service, and even a lively bar scene. Yet, the Peabody Hotel is perhaps best known for its ducks. Yes, you read that correctly. Ducks. Every day at 11 a.m., a procession of five North American mallard ducks waddles into the ornate lobby fountain. At 5 p.m., the ducks leave the fountain and march up an elevated red carpet towards the elevator, marking the end of their day. But what happens to the Peabody ducks when they’re not wowing tourists with their antics?
Well, the answer might surprise you. Behind the scenes, these ducks are living a life of luxury that would make many humans envious. They reside in a custom-built duck penthouse on the hotel rooftop, complete with their own water feature and an unobstructed view of downtown Memphis. There are even two full-time “duckmasters” who tend to the ducks’ every need, from feeding them a carefully curated diet to providing them with plenty of fresh water and clean bedding. And when they’re not in the fountain or penthouse, the ducks have access to a specially designed duck habitat in the hotel courtyard.
So, why do the Peabody ducks receive such VIP treatment? It all started in the 1930s, when the hotel’s general manager returned from a duck hunting trip with live ducks as a joke to place in the fountain. The guests loved it so much that the hotel began using live ducks as a daily attraction. Today, the Peabody’s ducks are world-famous and have become an iconic part of the hotel’s identity. So, the next time you visit the Peabody, take a moment to appreciate these feathered friends and their lavish lifestyle.
Peabody Ducks history
The Peabody Ducks have become an iconic fixture in Memphis, Tennessee, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, their origins can be traced back to a less glamorous purpose. In 1932, the General Manager of the Peabody Hotel, Frank Schutt, and his friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip in Arkansas with live ducks as a joke. The duo thought it would be hilarious to put the ducks in the hotel’s Italian fountain as a prank.
But the joke turned into a tradition when the ducks took to the fountain so well that hotel guests began to admire and request that they be placed in the fountain every day. The hotel team soon realized that the ducks could be used as a unique attraction to lure potential guests, and the Peabody Ducks became a part of the hotel’s identity.
Significance of the Peabody Ducks
- The Peabody Ducks are a rich part of Memphis history, culture, and tourism. The Peabody Hotel has become a landmark and tourist attraction due to the presence of the ducks. The daily Duck March and Duck Palace have become famous attractions in their own right.
- The Peabody Ducks are not only attractions but also celebrities. The ducks are a popular subject among the media and have appeared in several movies and TV shows.
- The Peabody Ducks have received several accolades for their contribution to the hospitality industry, including being inducted into the World Waterfowl Foundation’s Waterfowl Hall of Fame.
Current state of the Peabody Ducks
Currently, the Peabody Ducks are taken care of by a Duckmaster, who is responsible for their well-being. They are raised on a farm by a professional waterfowl breeder, who supplies the ducks for the hotel. The ducks are trained to march daily to and from the fountain in the hotel’s lobby. The ducks retire after three months and are replaced by new ducks. A select few ducks that make it to their retirement are sent to live on a farm.
Conclusion
The Peabody Ducks have come a long way from their practical joke beginnings and are now a beloved and integral part of Memphis history and tourism. The ducks demonstrate the power of innovation and creativity in marketing and the ability to turn a small idea into a global success.
| Peabody Ducks Fast Facts |
|---|
| The tradition of the Peabody Ducks began in 1932 when the hotel’s General Manager put live ducks in the fountain as a joke. |
| The Peabody Ducks have become an iconic attraction, with the daily march being witnessed in person by around 200 people on average, and streamed by thousands more on social media. |
| The current ducks reside in the Duck Palace, which cost over $200,000 to build, and are cared for by a full-time Duckmaster. |
| The Peabody Ducks are regularly mentioned in the media and have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including “The Firm” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” |
Source: https://www.peabodymemphis.com/duck-march/duck-history
Peabody Hotel Duck March
One of the most famous attractions at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee is the Duck March. This tradition began in 1933 when the general manager returned from a hunting trip and placed his live decoys (ducks) in the hotel’s fountain.
Since then, the tradition has evolved into a daily event where five North American mallard ducks live in luxury at the Peabody and travel to and from their rooftop palace each day to the tune of John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March.”
- The Duck March takes place twice a day, at 11am and 5pm, and is free for anyone to watch.
- As the time approaches, a large crowd gathers in the lobby of the hotel to witness the ducks prepare for their parade.
- The “Duckmaster” leads the ducks down the red carpet, through the crowd, and into the fountain in the center of the lobby.
During the day, the ducks swim around in the fountain, but when it’s time for their march, they exit the fountain and make their way back to their palace on the rooftop. The Duckmaster leads the parade through the lobby and up the elevator, where guests can also watch the ducks settling into their digs for the night.
| Duck Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Male: | Drake |
| Female: | Hend |
| Young: | Duckling |
While the tradition may seem like a fun and interesting attraction, the ducks are taken very seriously and receive top-notch care during their stay at the Peabody. Even their water is changed twice a day to ensure their health and comfort.
Peabody Ducks’ role in Memphis culture
The Peabody Ducks have played an important role in the Memphis culture for almost 90 years. Originally intended as a practical joke in the 1930s, the Peabody Ducks have become a beloved tradition that attracts both tourists and locals alike to the Peabody Hotel, where the ducks live.
But what is it exactly that makes these ducks so special? And why have they become such an integral part of the Memphis experience? Let’s explore some of the reasons:
- The ducks are a testament to the fun, quirky, and irreverent spirit that defines Memphis as a city. They embody the sense of playfulness and whimsy that is often characteristic of Southern hospitality.
- The Peabody Hotel and the ducks have become a symbol of Memphis tourism, giving visitors a unique and memorable experience that they can only find in this city.
- The ducks have also become a source of pride for local Memphians, who have grown up with the tradition and see it as a representation of their hometown’s charm and character.
Overall, the Peabody Ducks have become an iconic part of the Memphis culture and a cherished tradition that will continue to delight visitors and locals for years to come.
But the ducks do more than just entertain hotel guests and tourists. They also serve as ambassadors for the city, traveling to schools, hospitals, and other events around Memphis to spread joy and goodwill.
In fact, the Peabody Ducks are so renowned that they even have their own Duckmaster, a position held by a skilled and experienced handler who guides the ducks from their rooftop home to the lobby fountain each day.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am | The ducks leave their penthouse and ride the elevator to the lobby. |
| 11:05 am | The Duckmaster leads the procession of ducks from the elevator to the fountain, where they spend the day. |
| 5:00 pm | The Duckmaster returns the ducks to their penthouse for the evening, marking the end of another day for the Peabody Ducks. |
It’s clear that the Peabody Ducks have become an integral part of Memphis culture, representing the city’s unique blend of charm, hospitality, and fun. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, seeing the ducks make their daily march is a moment that will stay with you long after you leave.
The Peabody Ducks’ Celebrity Status
The Peabody Ducks have gained widespread fame and celebrity status over the years. Their daily march from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel to the fountain in the lobby has become a highly-anticipated event for both locals and tourists alike.
- Their appearance on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” in 1986 catapulted them to national fame and led to appearances on various television shows and news programs.
- They have received invitations to appear at events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Presidential Inauguration.
- Famed photographer William Eggleston even captured their image in his iconic photograph “The Peabody Ducks” which hangs in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
The Peabody Ducks’ celebrity status has also led to the creation of various merchandise, from plush toys of the ducks to t-shirts and mugs with their image. Visitors to the hotel can take home a piece of the Peabody Ducks’ fame as a souvenir.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | The Peabody Ducks appear on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” |
| 2004 | The Peabody Ducks appear at the Kentucky Derby |
| 2005 | The Peabody Ducks are invited to the Presidential Inauguration |
The Peabody Ducks may have started as a simple tradition, but their celebrity status has elevated them to a whole new level of popularity and affection.
The Peabody Ducks’ Daily Routine
Every day, the Peabody Ducks live a life of luxury and leisure at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. These ducks have become something of a tourist attraction, as they are known for their daily march to and from the hotel’s lobby fountain. Here is a breakdown of their typical daily routine:
- 5 a.m. – 7 a.m. – The ducks wake up in their rooftop Palace. They are served breakfast and their caretaker washes and brushes their feathers.
- 11 a.m. – The ducks are brought down to the lobby fountain for their daily swim. They remain here until 5 p.m. and are usually a popular attraction among hotel guests.
- 3 p.m. – Duckmaster, the Peabody Hotel’s official “ducks wrangler,” brings out a red carpet for the ducks to follow on their march. An announcement is made to all hotel guests, inviting them to gather around the fountain for the event.
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – After a long day of greeting guests and swimming in the fountain, the ducks march back up to their rooftop Palace to relax and get ready for bed.
- 8 p.m. – The ducks are served dinner and their caretaker checks on them one last time before turning out the lights.
This daily routine may seem simple, but it is a carefully orchestrated event that has been going on for over 90 years. The Peabody Ducks have become a beloved part of Memphis culture and the hotel’s history.
As you can see, the Peabody Ducks live quite the charmed life. From their lavish rooftop Palace to their daily swims in the fountain, they are a true symbol of luxury and relaxation.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 a.m. – 7 a.m. | Wakes up, fed breakfast, groomed |
| 11 a.m. | Swims in lobby fountain |
| 3 p.m. | Marches from rooftop Palace to lobby fountain on red carpet |
| 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Marches back to rooftop Palace |
| 8 p.m. | Fed dinner and put to bed |
Overall, the Peabody Ducks’ daily routine is a sight to behold. From their morning grooming sessions to their grand march through the lobby, these ducks live a life of luxury that most of us can only dream of.
The Peabody Ducks’ Appearances at Special Events
If you are a duck enthusiast or just love spectacles, the Peabody Ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, should definitely be on your bucket list. These ducks have become a legendary attraction and a vital part of the hotel’s history.
The Peabody Ducks make regular appearances at the hotel’s lobby fountain every day at 11 am, and they march back to their rooftop Royal Duck Palace at 5 pm. This procession has become one of the most popular events in Memphis, and people can’t wait to see the ducks waddling to their destination as the Duckmaster leads them through the crowds of spectators.
- As a part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Peabody Ducks get a little bit of extra attention.
- The Duckmaster leads them to the fountain through a green carpet, as opposed to their regular red carpet.
- If you visit Memphis during the holiday, expect to see the ducks sporting green neckties.
The Peabody Ducks also take their show on the road, and they travel to special events outside the hotel. These shows are tremendous opportunities for the animals to showcase their talents and spread a little duck love all over the country.
For instance, the ducks have made appearances during their world tour in Walt Disney World Orlando, the Kentucky Derby, and the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. They also visited the New York Stock Exchange and showed their market savvy by taking over the trading floor.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World Orlando | Orlando, FL | March 21, 2002 |
| Kentucky Derby | Louisville, KY | May 4, 2013 |
| Toronto Santa Claus Parade | Toronto, Canada | November 16, 2014 |
No matter where they go, the Peabody Ducks have an impressive engagement rider. It includes specific requirements like a baby pool for swims, a specific variety of duck food, and a limousine for transportation because nothing but the best for these feathered celebs.
The Peabody Ducks are the true stars of Memphis, and their appearances at special events remind us of their universal appeal. They bring a little bit of joy and charm to every event they attend, and we are grateful for their unique contribution to our world.
The Peabody Ducks’ living conditions
The Peabody Ducks are undoubtedly treated with the utmost care to maintain their health and safety. The ducks reside in a Royal Duck Palace located on the rooftop at Peabody Hotel. The palace is designed to replicate the natural habitat of a duck with a water feature, granite stones, and plants, creating a calm and peaceful environment.
- The Duck Palace features a 200 sq. ft. marble floor where the ducks can comfortably waddle around and interact with each other.
- A total of 30,000 gallons of freshwater is cycled through the water feature to keep it clean, filtered and at a temperature range between 70 to 75 degrees.
- The ducks are fed a specialized diet provided by the hotel’s executive chef to ensure they get the necessary nutrients.
The Peabody ducks are only taken out of their palace during the daily duck march. At night, they are placed in individual pens with soft bedding to sleep. A team of dedicated handlers monitors the ducks’ conditions, taking preventive measures to maintain their health and safety.
| Vital Signs | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Heartbeat | 110 – 170 bpm |
| Respiration Rate | 35-40 rpm |
| Body Temperature | 101-107 degrees Fahrenheit |
The Peabody Ducks’ living conditions ensure that these cherished creatures are kept comfortable and healthy. Their welfare is ensured to retain their loveable charm, devotion, and valuable contribution to Peabody Hotel culture.
FAQs about What Happens to the Peabody Ducks
1. Where do the Peabody ducks go when they are not in their fountain?
The Peabody ducks reside in their very own “Duck Palace” located on the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel.
2. What time do the Peabody ducks march to the fountain?
The ducks march to the fountain at exactly 11 AM every morning, and then they march out of the fountain at 5 PM in the evening.
3. How do the Peabody ducks know when to start marching?
The Peabody Duckmaster gives a trumpet call to signal the ducks to start marching.
4. What happens if a Peabody duck gets sick?
The Peabody Hotel has a team of veterinarians on call 24/7 to take care of any sick or injured ducks.
5. How do the Peabody ducks get to the fountain?
The ducks ride in an elevator to the lobby level and then they take a short walk down a red carpet to the fountain.
6. Are the Peabody ducks always the same ducks?
Yes, the Peabody ducks are the same ducks and they are replaced after three months.
7. Can guests at the Peabody Hotel interact with the ducks?
Yes, guests are allowed to take pictures with the ducks and even give them a little pat on the head.
Closing Title: Thanks for Visiting the Peabody Ducks
We hope you enjoyed learning about what happens to the Peabody ducks! If you are ever in Memphis, TN, be sure to visit the Peabody Hotel and witness the daily duck march for yourself. Thank you for taking the time to read about these feathery friends and we hope to see you again soon!