After 'tough year for turkeys,' Branstad pardons two

Turkeys Zoey and Spike survived avian bird flu this year and, thanks to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's pardon Monday, they'll also survive Thanksgiving.

"This has been a tough year for turkeys," Branstad said. "So we’re going to give a couple of them a special pardon here today."

Branstad issued the special proclamation outside the governor's mansion as his grandchildren chased the birds through the snow.

Earlier this year, avian bird flu tore through Iowa, claiming 1.1 million turkeys. Branstad said Monday he's encouraged to see producers going back to work and is hopeful the disease will remain at bay.

"It’s a symbol of Thanksgiving, and the fact that we’re thankful that we’ve gotten through the avian bird flu and the fact that these turkeys survived the disease and they’re also going to survive the chopping block this Thanksgiving," Branstad said. "Some of their friends won’t, but we also appreciate the opportunity to consume this very nutritious low fat high protein product."