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 were in need of 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. Through constructive conversations, they successfully persuaded the school to discontinue its four-decade-long practice of hatching baby birds in classrooms—a significant victory for animals.

*The Bug Ducklings when they arrived at Woodstock Sanctuary.*

Upon their arrival, the ducklings rapidly acclimated to human interaction and their newfound life at the sanctuary. 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. We are profoundly grateful that these "bug ducklings" have found security and will only experience love and compassion throughout their lives.