Rescue & Adoptions

Healthcare with Heart Stories

Diego: One Duck Saves Many Lives

Here at the New York Shelter, Diego has become a very important volunteer duck. Because he is so strapping and healthy, he has become a blood donor for Cornell University Hospital for Animals. When a duck in need comes in to the hospital, Diego is sometimes called in to donate blood to help save these other birds' lives. After blood is drawn from Diego, he gets a special food treat, which he excitedly accepts and munches on with great joy!

Most recently, Diego came to the aid of a sickly mallard duck, who arrived at Cornell with a dangerous case of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause anemia, which can ultimately lead to death if not treated. When Farm Sanctuary was called to assist in this emergency case, staff immediately responded. Caregivers safely transported Diego to the veterinary hospital where he went right to work patiently allowing his blood to be drawn, and awaiting his special treat in great anticipation. The mallard survived and is now happy and healthy again, thanks in part to Diego.

Diego is not the only Farm Sanctuary resident who is able to come to the rescue of animals in need. There are also healthy chickens and rabbits who donate blood for others of their species, many of whom reside at Farm Sanctuary. This practice of blood donorship has allowed Diego and others to save not only the animals who need transfusions, but also those who would otherwise be kept at the veterinary hospital in cages specifically for the use of their blood. Veterinary hospitals have been known to keep animals specifically for this purpose, and we at Farm Sanctuary are doing what we can to curb that practice. We are forever grateful for these strong, healthy animals and how they have helped save numerous lives, bringing others back to health and happiness and freeing those animals who would be kept as donors at the hospital.

Diego is a Cayuga duck, a large breed common to New York State. Because of their size and the females' capacity to lay large quantities of eggs, Cayuga ducks are bred for meat and egg production. Diego and 16 other ducklings were lucky to escape this fate. A man who decided to close down his farm was determined to get rid of all the animals living on his property as soon as possible to rid himself of his burden. Living near New York City, he dumped the ducklings at a local SPCA. Shortly thereafter, Farm Sanctuary was called to see if the youngsters could come to live at our New York Shelter. We agreed to give them refuge, and now all are living happily amongst their other rescued duck and goose friends.

Diego and his friends happily roam and peck in their grassy barnyard, and swim and splash in the duck and goose pond to their hearts' desires. He will continue to enjoy peaceful seasons of freedom here at Farm Sanctuary safe from neglect and abuse. Diego will also continue to be an important blood donor to ducks in need, giving the gift of life and health to others now that he has found a place where he can flourish.