Kids & Family

Duck with Fishing Hook in Throat Rescued at Ridder's Pond

Animal advocates take fowl to new home in upstate sanctuary.

The following article was submitted by John Di Leonardo.

On the morning of Sunday, Sept. 22, Liz Stein, a lawyer with the Nonhuman Rights Project’s working group, called John Di Leonardo, President of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION), a grassroots nonprofit animal advocacy organization, to report that a Muscovy duck at Ridder’s Pond in New Hyde Park had a fishing hook stuck in her throat. Di Leonardo called Caroline Lee, a local waterfowl rehabilitator and rushed to the scene. Lee also rushed to the scene all the way from Connecticut where she was visiting, and Julie Cappiello, Vice President of LION, came as well.    

Upon arrival, the group set up a fence and began attempting to lure the duck, now named Daisy, inside. Unfortunately, Muscovy ducks are known for their intellect, so Daisy was not fooled. Next, Di Leonardo attempted to catch her with a net; however, all this did was prove Daisy could fly. Over the course of the next five days, the group spent their time trying to win Daisy’s trust and on one of the days, Debbie, a cat rescuer, even dressed up as a bush trying to net her.  Again, Daisy was not fooled and just looked at her oddly.

Find out what's happening in New Hyde Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, renowned wildlife rehabilitator Bobby Horvath came and was able to finally catch Daisy with a net. After a quick trip to the vet for the hook’s removal and some antibiotics, John Di Leonardo, Gary Di Leonardo, and Julie Cappiello, directors of LION, drove Daisy up to her new home at Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS), a 110-acre haven for horses and farm animals rescued from cruelty and neglect that provides innovative programs that educate the public about the sentience of farm animals, and the devastating impacts of agribusiness and institutionalized cruelty on animals, people, and the planet.

After 7-10 days in quarantine, Daisy will be available for visits from those interested during regular visiting hours. Her bunk-mates will include Bruce, a male Muscovy, and Leanne, a female Peking duck.

Find out what's happening in New Hyde Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As CAS is a sanctuary that espouses veganism, Daisy will not only be enjoying a life of luxury at Catskill Animal Sanctuary but also educating the public about production on modern day industrialized farms. 

LION is thankful to all those involved in this rescue and hopes this incident makes the public more aware of the threats wildlife encounter on Long Island.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here