April 6, 2024
Oyinkan Somorin
An animal sanctuary in Rhode Island, the West Place Animal Sanctuary, hosted a birthday party to commemorate an unusual milestone: a rescued duck’s 17th birthday. Erna, a crested pekin duck rescued in 2007, had her birthday party on Monday.
Wendy Taylor, founder and executive director of West Place Animal Sanctuary, stated that Erna is not only a sanctuary resident; she has also volunteered with dozens of ducklings, goslings, poults, chicks, and cygnets.
“She is an exceptional duck, and her maternal instincts have helped us save lives and raise orphaned birds at the sanctuary,” Taylor explained. She added that Erna is a “constant source of inspiration and joy.”
“Her maternal instincts have not only saved lives but also improved the lives of both humans and animals,” she said.
Crested pekin ducks typically live for 12 years.
“This is a significant milestone for Erna. For various reasons, farm animals do not live to old age. She has given so much to the people and animals of West Place, and in return, West Place has given Erna the greatest gift of all: the opportunity to grow old.” Taylor said.
Erna still has a ways to go if she wants to earn the Guinness World Record for the oldest duck ever. The title belongs to a pair owned by Gladys Blackbeard of Grahamstown, South Africa, who lived to the age of 49.