‘Long Boi’ sculpture unveiled in honour of unusually tall duck
'It's been a journey of duck-termination to reach this stage,' said University of York's student union.
He became an internet sensation when alive, now Long Boi, the unusually tall duck, will be immortalised as a statue and this is what it will look like.
Welsh sculptor Chris Mason has unveiled a mould of the life-sized structure, ahead of its journey to Greece to be cast in bronze.
Long Boi, was a cross between an Indian Runner duck and a mallard, stood at over 70cm, and gained celebrity status after featuring on James Corden’s The Late Late Show in 2021.
He was often seen on the lake at the University of York’s Derwent College campus and was a hit with students, even picking up his own Instagram page.
But in May last year concerns were raised after the popular duck had not been seen for more than a week. Eventually, the university concluded he had sadly died.
Keen to honour Long Boi, his fans crowdfunded more than £5,500 to commission a statue that could sit in the campus grounds for future students to enjoy.
University of York Students’ Union (YUSU) president, Pierrick Roger, said: ‘It’s been a journey of duck-termination to reach this stage, as we waddled through scoping work, planning applications, and general memorial design.
‘Our sculptor, Neil, has been hard at work hand-carving our quack-star to life in the most magnificent way.
‘His dedication and talent shine through in every feather, capturing Long Boi’s spirit and essence with incredible precision.’
The finished work will be unveiled in the coming weeks and is expected to be placed next to the lake where he had once lived.
Zoe Duffin, a York University student when Long Boi was living on campus, started Long Boi’s Instagram page along with her friend Liam Foskett.
Speaking to PA in May 2021, Zoe said they believed the duck had been dumped as an unwanted pet.
She added: ‘We started feeding and taking photos of him, coining the name Long Boi due to his tall stature!
‘We did feel a bit sorry for him, as he didn’t fit in with all the other ducks and was being shunned by them, he seemed quite lonely.
‘Over time he’s grown quite a following with York students, he’s quite a campus celebrity, and has since flourished and integrated with the other waterfowl.’
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