Disabled Since Birth, Duck Takes His First Steps
The discovery of the wheel was one of the greatest inventions ever made. The use of wheels dates to before 3000 B.C., so the application of the wheel to help assist people who are unable to walk is only natural. You’ve probably even seen pictures of some dogs or goats being given a chance at mobility through special wheelchairs… but a duck? Yes, why not. Any duck owner will tell you, ducks are “people”, too.
Merlin may very well be the first duck in a wheelchair. Merlin is a white Pekin duck who was born unable to walk due to a deformity in one of his legs. Thankfully, some animal rescuers found the poor, immobile duck and helped him find him a new home. Thanks to a company, he is now getting a new set of wheels.
Back in November 2018, the Goats of Anarchy Sanctuary in New Jersey adopted Merlin, even though he had wings instead of hooves and horns, an exception was made for Merlin Their attempts to rehabilitate the duck sadly fell short as Merlin was still unable to walk. They decided to reach out to a company that specializes in wheelchairs and other devices for handicapped animals to see if there was anything they could do for Merlin.
The company, Walkin’ Pets, had never been asked to design a wheelchair for a bird before, but they gladly took on the project. The company worked from a standard mini design that is usually used for toy dogs and other very small animals. Since a duck’s shape is a bit different than a dog or cat, Walkin’ Pets had to make some specialized upgrades.
After the chair was completed, some representatives of Walkin’ Pets took a road trip to New Jersey to fit Merlin for his new set of wheels. Their Social Media Coordinator, Mikayla Feehan, was able to record Merlin’s first time in his new wheelchair.
Mikayla posted online: “Watching Merlin take his first steps was really cool. Once Merlin got in his wheelchair it was truly amazing. It’s not every day you get to see animals take their first steps.”
In the video, you get to watch a very excited Merlin take his first few steps. His excited quack says it all. For the first time in his life, he can move around where he wants to and enjoy life.
This heartwarming video will definitely make you smile, and you’ll be rooting for Merlin in no time at all. Something says that Merlin will be racing around the farm very soon.
#ducks #birds #animalrescue #animals
