Rescue & Adoptions

2005 Featured Rescues

Wayward Duck Finds Sanctuary in California

Mabel was rescued and brought to Farm Sanctuary early this fall after she was found wandering around a park in a small town in Northern California. When a park employee spotted her, he could see right away that she was not a wild duck and did not belong on her own in the park. He also noticed that she was very thin and limping badly on one of her legs. Because of her large size and white feathers, the man suspected that Mabel had been a "farm" duck, who had likely been raised for her meat and dumped after a local auction, or discarded for some other reason. Taking pity on the wayward duck, the man brought her to his home.

For two months, the man who rescued Mabel kept her at his home, doing his best to comfort her and help her return to a healthy weight. He knew he could not care for her forever, though, so he contacted Farm Sanctuary for help. When we heard of Mabel's plight, we happily agreed to take her in and thanked the man for caring enough to save her life. Thrilled by the sight of her lush, new sanctuary surroundings, Mabel settled in right away.

Now living in our rabbit barn with two other ducks named Bella and Della, Mabel is having the time of her life. Although she has been diagnosed with Degenerative Joint Disease, a common affliction among birds bred to grow abnormally large, she continues to thrive. She lives a quiet and peaceful life here. Thankfully, because of one man's compassion and mercy, Mabel has been given a second chance.

If you are interested in sponsoring Mabel's care through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project, click here. If you can provide a lifelong home to ducks in need like Mabel, click here.