Some young students say goodbye to their young duck friends. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Lasting friendships

A fond farewell: duck launch makes big splash with return

Jun 9, 2022 | 5:00 PM

After nearly a month of being in the care of some young students in Prince Albert, a dozen young ducklings are now ready to graduate.

The 22nd Annual Duck Launch was held Thursday afternoon at Memorial Gardens.

The small birds were initially delivered to the participating schools on May 11. In addition to providing the opportunity for the children to learn how to care for small animals, a secondary purpose of the event is to show the children that cemetaries are not scary places but can be warm and inviting.

The schools present were TLC Day Care (Birch Hills), Spruce Home, Ecole St. Anne, Vickers, St. Michael’s, Hope’s Home, Tiny Tot Day Care, Children’s Choice (St. Francis) and Prince Albert Child Care.

The students were also given the task of naming the birds and some of the choices were Skittles, Rainbow, Batman, and there was a girl duck named John Cena.

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Gabriel Polluck was asked by paNOW what he learned.

“That they eat dandelions,” he replied.

Hadley Walters from Vickers also found the experience educational.

“They need love,” she said.

Other students commented on how they learned how the birds change colour from yellow to white, and how fast the ducks learn how to swim.

Two year old Hadley sits with her feathered friend. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

A last minute snack before launch. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Each school took turns putting their respective ducks in the water. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Over the past month the students have grown quite attached to the ducks. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

A young boy gets caught in the middle of the excitement. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Due to COVID, the event Thursday was the first of its kind in three years, and the students cheered when Ward 4 councillor Don Cody made them aware of the special importance of the day. The day was not without emotion. While many children seemed happy playing with the ducks, others cried as they parted ways.

And as the children re-boarded the bus to head home, a few ducks were seen making an effort to try and follow.

Some young students brought signs for the staff at Memorial Gardens. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

One last word of encouragement. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell