The Peabody is a grand hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. It's right near Beale Street in Downtown Memphis. This luxurious hotel opened in 1925 and is a landmark in this wonderful city. The hotel is probably more known for it's 5 permanent residents than it is for anything else! There are 5 mallard ducks (1 male, 4 female) that live in the fountain in the lobby! Yes! One of the most glamorous hotels in the United States and there are ducks that live in the lobby.
So, here's the story. Back in 1930, the General Manager at the time, Frank Schutt, had just returned from a hunting trip in Arkansas. He and some friends had a little bit too much to drink and found it funny to leave their ducks in the fountain of the lobby! The next morning, forgetting about putting the ducks in the fountain, guests spotted the ducks and loved the idea thus the Peabody Ducks were born!
In 1940, an employee named Edward Pembroke volunteered to care for the ducks. He became the first "Duckmaster" and held that position until 1991. Everyday at 11AM, the ducks march from their penthouse home on the roof to the elevator, down the elevator, and into the lobby fountain! Then at 5 PM, they repeat the process and head back up to their home! Guests are welcome to view the ceremony and the duckmaster will tell the story of the Peabody Ducks.
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