York Uni's massive mallard, 'Long Boi', goes viral
He's thought to be the biggest duck since records began!
Last updated 30th Apr 2021
If you're looking for a story to make you smile this Friday afternoon, this will surely fit the bill!
A duck who lives in York, called 'LongBoi' has gone viral on social media, after Dick King-Smith shared a photo on Twitter.
The award-winning children's author describes LongBoi as "the tallest mallard to have ever lived (since records began)".
Former footballer Peter Crouch was among the online responses to make a splash, describing LongBoi as "my kind of duck".
LongBoi is a cross between a Mallard and an Indian Runner Duck, and lives on campus at the University of York.
Isaac Lowe, a 3rd year student, said: "LongBoi is the closest thing that the University of York has to a mascot. If you're ever wandering by the lake on campus, he is pretty much a regular fixture down by Derwent College.
"Depending on the season, he can be either a student's best friend or a violent chip-stealing monster. Obviously the best tactic to deal with the ducks and geese on campus is just to move on your way and ignore them, but with LongBoi it's a bit more difficult."
Duck-umenting the reaction to LongBoi
Various Twitter accounts, including some celebrities, have posted online in celebration of LongBoi.
He's even got his own Instagram account - with 16.3 thousand followers!
Zoe, who runs the account, said: "I couldn't quite believe it when he went viral on twitter yesterday, it's quite incredible that so many news organisations are featuring him.
"I've had multiple interviews and even been on live radio to talk about Long Boi, it's been a crazy couple of days!"
Here are some of the highlights:
LongBoi also has public health credentials, enforcing coronavirus regulations at the University libraries.
Most of all, as described in his own Instagram bio, LongBoi is "kind at heart & a clever boi."
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