Lucky off to zoo home

Lucky the blind duck has a new home.

Since Saturday's story on the young adult duck born with no eyes being found in a New Plymouth stream by Mishala Davey, Taranaki Daily News has received several emails from lifestyle block owners who were happy to have the bird live on their property.

But it is Pouakai Zoo Park that will be Lucky's new home. Zoo keeper Fiona Carson said Lucky would be right at home among the other birds dealt a cruel hand, including a duck with a paralysed leg.

Ms Davey's mother Danelle Nagel said Lucky had been very happy during the past few days, hanging out in a paddling pool in the backyard, then spending the evenings in the wash house.

Mrs Nagel noticed when feeding bread to the duck that Lucky "opens her mouth and skims the water", which would explain how it found food without being able to see.

While the family will miss Lucky, having even contemplated building their own enclosed area, Mrs Nagel knows Pouakai can give it specialist care and keep it safe from predators.

"I'm sure that's where she needs to go, where she'll be looked after. I know she'll have a good home up there."

- © Fairfax NZ News