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An Unlikely Trio Finds Refuge Together At Farm Sanctuary

One Discarded Duckling and Two Birds Leftover from an Easter Pet Store Promotion Nestle Into a Peaceful Life at Farm Sanctuary

Watkins Glen, NY - May 24, 2005 - Farm Sanctuary recently took in three animals, one that was abandoned and two that were leftover after an Easter promotion at a pet store in New York City. Huey, the larger duckling and Sidekick, the rooster chick, were rescued from a pet store in Queens that was selling young birds illegally as part of an Easter promotion. Once all the other chicks and ducks had been sold, they were placed in a cage together, where they ultimately sought each other's comfort. The other duckling, Duey, was abandoned on the doorstep of a Brooklyn woman's home.

"Many pet stores across the country profit from the sale of live chicks, bunnies and ducklings, especially during the Easter season," said Susie Coston, shelter director at Farm Sanctuary. "People purchase the baby animals as cute 'gifts,' but soon after the holiday, many realize they are unable or unwilling to care for them. As a result, countless animals are abandoned outdoors to fend for themselves or condemned to live out their lives in cramped backyard hutches and cages."

In the city of New York, it is illegal to sell waterfowl. Throughout New York State, outside of the city, waterfowl must be sold in groups of six. Once confronted about the illegal practice of selling these animals, the storeowner agreed to give them up to local rescuers, Ashley Smith and Jenny Brown of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

By the time the rescuers visited the store in April, Huey and Sidekick chick were already inseparable. When introduced to Duey, the two immediately welcomed this abandoned duckling into their makeshift brood. Huey, Duey and Sidekick chick arrived at Farm Sanctuary shortly after their rescue. The three made the journey to Farm Sanctuary's New York Shelter together and have settled in to the comforts of sanctuary. "The three baby birds have latched onto one another, and remain extremely close. They make it clear that they have no qualms about fraternizing with another species," Coston added. "Huey and Duey even let Sidekick chick sleep on their backs. It's a sight to see."

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.