Erna, rescue duck, passes away at 17 ½ years old at West Place Animal Sanctuary

Erna, the Rhode Island Rescue Duck, Passes Away at 17 ½ Years Old

West Place Animal Sanctuary mourns the loss of its original rescue animal, their longest-tenured rescue animal who has passed away. Erna, a 17½-year-old Crested Pekin Duck who was originally rescued in 2007, became the matriarch of West Place and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was the last survivor of the original group of rescue animals West Place took in when the nonprofit organization opened its doors to farm animals more than 17 years ago.

In the spring of 2024, volunteers, staff, and supporters celebrated Erna’s 17th birthday with a jubilant party and festivities. Crested Pekins have an average lifespan of eight to twelve years, and West Place believes Erna was the oldest duck in Rhode Island, if not the entire United States.

Erna was one of the most beloved rescue animals at the sanctuary. She was a legendary “foster mom” to baby birds and raised hundreds of ducklings, goslings, chicks, poults, and cygnets during her lifetime.

Erna became a first-time mother to her biological daughter, Sesame, at the age of 15.

Her longevity was a result of West Place’s lifelong commitment, and she exemplified what farm animals are capable of when given proper care, nutrition, and love.

“There has never been a day at West Place without Erna,” laments Wendy Taylor, founder and executive director of West Place Animal Sanctuary. “She was a constant presence, a source of joy, and a daily reminder of the impact our nonprofit has on animals who are often overlooked and underrepresented.”

Erna’s passing marks the end of an era at West Place, but her legacy will live on through her daughter Sesame. West Place plans to dedicate a new memorial garden to Erna, and tributes, artwork, and condolences have begun pouring in from her adoring fans.

“Erna left us just 48 hours before the public voting period in the 2024 Defender Service Awards,” says Taylor. “West Place is a national finalist in this competition that recognizes nonprofits for their impact in their communities. We’re asking the public to vote daily to help us win a national award for Rhode Island,” Taylor continues, “but now we’re asking everyone to help us win this for Erna.”

The winner of the Defender Service Awards will be determined by daily, free public voting between October 2 and October 17 at www.westplace.org/defender.

West Place has experienced tremendous growth since Erna and her brother, Burton, first arrived as ducklings. The sanctuary is now home to more than 300 rescue animals, including Japanese koi and turtles. But West Place has never wavered from its mission of providing a permanent home and lifelong care to farm animals who often have nowhere else to turn.

Taylor remarks, “I’ve known Erna for as long as I’ve known my husband.” More than just a duck, Erna will forever be a part of West Place. The sanctuary hopes that by receiving national recognition for their life-saving efforts, they will be able to share Erna’s story far and wide, and shine a spotlight on the importance of farm animal welfare. It will also allow West Place to continue saving more lives and giving farm animals like Erna the greatest gift of all—the opportunity to grow old.

About West Place Animal Sanctuary

Founded in 2007, West Place Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and provides lifelong care to farm animals rescued from cases of abuse, neglect, and cruelty. It is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center that assists sick, injured, and orphaned animals, and releases healthy wildlife back into their natural habitats. West Place relies on a robust network of volunteers to provide essential animal care 365 days per year, and the organization provides unique hands-on humane education experiences to students to cultivate a more compassionate community.