News for the Hospitality Executive |
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--The world-famous Peabody
Ducks are marching under new leadership these days. Anthony Petrina
has stepped into the prominent role of Duckmaster at The Peabody
Memphis. In addition, Doug Weatherford has been named Assistant
Duckmaster.
The role of Duckmaster originated at The Peabody Memphis more than 70 years ago, and Petrina is only the fifth Duckmaster in the hotel’s history. The Duckmaster is responsible for the care and well-being of the Peabody Ducks, including feeding and training the teams for their twice-daily marches. When not tending to the five North American mallards, he acts as a public ambassador for the hotel, greeting guests in the Grand Lobby, doing media interviews, making community outreach appearances, and occasionally traveling with the ducks to promote Peabody Hotels. The Assistant Duckmaster tends to The Peabody’s flock on the Duckmaster’s days off and conducts history tours for hotel guests. The title “Duckmaster” originated at The Peabody in 1941 when the hotel hired a former Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey animal trainer named Edward Pembroke as a Bellman. Pembroke offered to help with delivering the ducks to the fountain each day and conceived the now-famous Peabody Duck March. Mr. Pembroke served as Peabody Duckmaster for 50 years until retiring in 1991. Anthony Petrina was recruited to the position of Duckmaster from within the hotel, having worked in Capriccio Grill since 2010. He studied hotel and resort management at the University of Memphis. Doug Weatherford, a Memphis native and hospitality industry veteran, spent much of his career working in hotels. Now semi-retired, his love of Memphis and deep interest in its history are what led him to the role of Assistant Duckmaster. |
Contact: The Peabody Memphis Kelly Earnest 901-529-4000 Director of Public Relations [email protected] |