Michigan Turkeys ‘Vernors’ and ‘Faygo’ Officially Pardoned

You may enjoy Vernors and Faygo on your Thanksgiving dinner table, but they won’t be appearing in the form of turkeys.

Let me explain. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently spared two sister turkeys, named Vernors and Faygo, from the chopping block.

According to CBS News, Vernors and Faygo are the fourth and fifth turkeys Governor Whitmer has pardoned since beginning this Thanksgiving tradition in 2022. She’s really building quite the flock of lucky survivors.

As you will hear in the video below, not all of Vernors and Faygo’s friends will be as lucky. Full disclosure: the footage may be unsettling for some viewers.

How does a turkey get pardoned by Governor Gretchen Whitmer?

The names were picked from over 1,500 contest submissions, with thousands of Michigan residents casting their vote.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Governor Whitmer shared her thoughts on the annual contest,

Today we continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey. But this year, we're pardoning two turkey sisters, a reminder that the most important part of the holiday season is coming together with friends and family.

This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone enjoys time with loved ones, finds a way to give back to the community, and cheers on our Lions.

Sounds great to me! Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, laughter, and plenty of leftovers.

Here’s to Faygo and Vernors - may you gobble through life with joy, dodge the chopping block forever, and enjoy long, and happy days.

Last but certainly not least, say it with me - Go Lions!