One night while patrolling the grounds, prison staff found the baby birds by a dumpster. They were frightened and cold — without immediate care, the ducklings might have died.

Milo is a Rouen duck: a domestic breed commonly raised for meat. That left him dependent on people: he lacked the skills to survive in the wild and was vulnerable to predators. The prison staff brought the ducklings inside, did their best to keep them warm, and looked into options for the birds’ long-term care. Farm Sanctuary gave the ducks a safe place to land!

The friends remain close to this day, and Milo spends most of his time with the smaller flock. He loves swimming in the pond — their group is usually the last to come in for the night! Now, he has a family and home and will never have to fear for his life or freedom again.