Statue unveiled for very tall duck who became internet sensation
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA statue has been unveiled in tribute to a duck who became an online sensation due to his unusually tall stature. Long Boi arrived the University of York in 2019 and went viral after a social media post incorrectly described him as “the tallest mallard duck to have ever lived …over 1m tall”.
It was later confirmed the duck stood at around 70cm. But in May 2023, the university said it believed Long Boi had died after he was missing for two months.
A statue to commemorate Long Boi’s “life and legacy” was unveiled by Greg James on his BBC Radio 1 show on Thursday morning.
During the ceremony in the university’s Central Hall, James said: “Some people might not get why we are doing this today …. but silly things are important, silly things get us through the day and, look, silliness brings us together. “And our favourite animals get us through the day too. “We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time you have to seize it with both hands.” The sculpture of the Indian runner mallard duck will stand near the lake at Derwent College on the campus, which was one of his favourite haunts, the university said.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk