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

Rad is a Pekin duck, a breed commonly raised for meat. Domestic breeds like Pekins are reared by people and often depend on them to survive. When left in the wild, they may struggle to find food and are vulnerable to predators. To give Rad and her friends a fighting chance, prison staff brought the ducklings inside, did their best to keep them warm, and looked into options for the birds’ long-term care.

We welcomed the ducks to Farm Sanctuary, where Rad and her friends grew up together. They joined one of our duck and goose flocks when they were big enough. Today, Rad is a popular duck who enjoys socializing with friends, making nests, and swimming in the pond. She will always have a safe place to land.