The Bugs

In May of 2023, we received a message from Humane Long Island, an organization dedicated to animal rescue, informing us that a group of young ducklings needed a forever home. These ducklings had been part of a school hatching project, a sadly common tradition in many schools. However, this specific hatching project served as a catalyst for Humane Long Island to launch their Duck Defenders project, aiming to bring about change. They successfully persuaded the school to commit to no longer participating in school hatching projects after 40 years of this tradition. It is so inspiring to see this high school set an example for all that hatching projects are an outdated and unnecessary practice where birds are treated as objects and science experiments. An end to this practice demonstrates compassion by recognizing ducks are individual, social beings that deserve to live out their lives free of exploitation.

The Bug Ducklings when they arrived at Woodstock Sanctuary.

Upon their arrival at the Sanctuary, the days old ducklings were playful and curious about our care team. In no time, Cricket, Beetle, Ladybug, Bumblebee, Firefly, and Caterpillar matured and found their place in the new coop. These inseparable companions now pass their days swimming together under the sun and cuddling up during their nap time. They are all such inquisitive ducks, always eager to check out a new snack or play in the mud! We are profoundly grateful that these “bug ducklings” have found security and will only experience love and compassion throughout their lives.

The Bug Ducklings enjoying their new pasture and coop.