By WEB DESK: An animal sanctuary in Rhode Island marked a remarkable occasion by hosting a birthday celebration for Erna, a crested pekin duck rescued back in 2007.
According to UPI, Wendy Taylor, the sanctuary’s founder and executive director, stressed Erna’s integral role not only as a resident but also as a volunteer caregiver to numerous ducklings, goslings, poults, chicks, and cygnets over the years.
“Erna is an exceptionally special duck whose maternal instincts have been instrumental in saving and nurturing countless lives at the sanctuary,” Taylor shared with WLNE-TV.
Furthermore, Taylor, speaking to the media, expressed that how Erna serves as an ongoing source of inspiration and joy, enriching the lives of both humans and animals through her nurturing presence.
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Despite crested pekin ducks typically having a lifespan of around 12 years, Erna’s 17th birthday represents a significant milestone, as Taylor explained, “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.”
While Erna has achieved an impressive age, she still has a way to go to surpass the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest duck, a pair owned by Gladys Blackbeard of Grahamstown, South Africa, who reached the remarkable age of 49.
To know more, check out the video below,
