top of page

A Grand Birthday Party for a Grand Old Duck that Turned 17, Equivalent to 99 Human Years

April 4, 2024



Typically, a duck can live up to 10 years, but some breeds and locations might vary. So, when a duck surpasses this age and reaches the impressive milestone of 17 years, it's definitely a cause for celebration! In Rhode Island, an animal sanctuary organized a party to mark the unusual occasion of a rescued duck's 17th birthday.


'Incredibly special duck' gets birthday party


The West Place Animal Sanctuary hosted a birthday bash on Monday to celebrate Erna, a crested Pekin duck rescued in 2007.


Wendy Taylor, the sanctuary's founder and executive director, shared that Erna isn't just a resident: she's also pitched in to care for numerous ducklings, goslings, poults, chicks, and cygnets.


According to Taylor, Erna's exceptional motherly instincts have been helpful in saving and nurturing many birds at the sanctuary.


Taylor described Erna as a constant source of inspiration and joy, emphasizing how her maternal instincts have positively impacted both humans and animals.


Oldest duck is 49 years old


Taylor highlighted that crested Pekin ducks typically have a lifespan of approximately 12 years.


"This is a major milestone for Erna," Taylor remarked.


"For a variety of reasons, farm animals do not often make it to old age. She has given the humans and the animals of West Place so much and in turn, West Place has given Erna the greatest gift of all -- the opportunity to grow old," Taylor said.


While Erna's 17 years are impressive, she still has a long way to go to break the Guinness World Record for the oldest duck ever.


This title is held by a pair of ducks owned by Gladys Blackbeard from Grahamstown, South Africa, who lived to the remarkable age of 49.

Comments


bottom of page