What began as a prank by a few tipsy duck hunters in 1933 has become one of the most beloved traditions in Memphis, the Peabody Duck March. Each morning crowds of eager visitors gather expectantly in the grand lobby of the Peabody Hotel. Then, at exactly 11:00 a.m. the red carpet rolls out and 5 mallard ducks, shepherded by their splendidly attired Duckmaster, march from the hotel's elevator to the large marble fountain in the center of the lobby. The ceremony is accompanied by the rousing strains of John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton March." At 5:00 p.m., the ceremony is reversed, with the ducks marching from the fountain back to the elevator to return to their Duck Palace on the hotel's roof.
Visit the Peabody Hotel at 149 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, to watch the Peabody Duck March. Arrive early to get a good vantage point and bring a camera. Internationally famous, the Peabody ducks have appeared on the Tonight Show, Sesame Street and the Oprah Winfrey television shows. The daily 11:00 a.m. march from the elevator to the hotel's fountain and the 5:00 p.m. return from the fountain to the elevator always draw a crowd. The ducks spend the time between the two marches swimming, snacking and napping in the ornate marble fountain, providing plenty of additional photo opportunities.
Learn the history of the Peabody Duck March to appreciate how this tradition evolved. In 1933, Frank Schutt, the hotel's general manager at the time, and a few hunting companions returned to the hotel after a duck hunting trip. They had used live duck decoys (a practice that is no longer legal) and brought these tame ducks back with them. After an unknown number of rounds of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey, they decided it would be a funny prank to release their live ducks in the hotel's fountain before retiring for the night. It proved to be such a hit with hotel guests, the ducks became a permanent feature.
Understand that, for the first few years, ducks in the hotel lobby fountain was a popular, but informal affair. That changed in 1940, when Edward Pembroke, a hotel employee and former circus trainer, volunteered to take care of the ducks. He trained them to march, set up their daily schedule, and the Peabody Duck March became a daily highlight of the hotel's routine. Pembroke, the original Duckmaster, also instituted the rotation of the ducks. You'll always see 5 ducks in the march, one drake and four hen Mallard ducks. Raised on a nearby farm, each set of 5 only spends 3 months at the hotel before returning to the farm to live out their lives in comfort.
Take the hotel elevator to the roof to visit the Duck Palace to see where the ducks spend their off time relaxing and spending the night. Though not as elaborate as the hotel's marble fountain, the Duck Palace provides a safe, quiet and comfortable haven with everything the ducks could need.
Know that it's possible to become the Assistant Duckmaster for the day under the right circumstances. The Peabody Duckmaster offers this coveted position for certain guests and visiting celebrities. Past Assistant Duckmasters have included children as young as 5 years old, conventioneers, regular guests, and celebrities including Queen Noor of Jordan, Chef Emeril Lagasse, Kevin Bacon and Oparh Winfrey. Contact the Peabody Hotel for information on becoming Assistant Duckmaster for the day (see Resources).
