March 31, 2024
Paul Zangari
TIVERTON, RI (WJAR) — One of the first residents of a Tiverton animal sanctuary celebrated her 17th birthday on Sunday. (As her license shows, Erna's actual birthday is Monday.)
Erna is a Crested Pekin Duck, a species that typically lives 8-12 years.
According to West Place Animal Sanctuary, Erna is the last of their original rescue animals from when the nonprofit was established in 2007.
West Place describes its mission as providinglifesaving care, love, and a permanent home to rescued farm animals.
"She is an incredibly special duck, and her motherly instincts have helped us save lives and raise orphaned birds at the sanctuary," said Wendy Taylor, the shelter's executive director. She calls Erna West Place's busiest "foster mom" during the spring and summer months, adding that she has helped raise hundreds of baby birds, including ducklings, goslings, chicks, poults, and cygnets.
Erna's celebration has a serious side - a reminder that adopting an animal should not be taken lightly. Taylor cautioned against bringing home a cute rabbit, chick or duckling around Easter on impulse, noting it could be the beginning of a two-decade-long commitment, adding, "Shelters and sanctuaries are not dumping grounds for animals purchased on impulse."
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