Video shows baby ducklings who believe grown man is their mother
Rick has been caring for the ducks since he incubated their eggs after their mother died
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An adorable video, showing 13 tiny ducklings following a man who they believe is their mother, has gone viral.
The footage, shot by the man’s neighbour Matthew Sargent, has ratcheted up over 220,000 views in the three days since it was uploaded.
The new parent, that is called 'Rick' in the footage, rescued the ducklings before they had hatched from their eggs after their mother died.
He put them in his incubator, and when they hatched the baby birds and imprinted on him – believing that he is their carer.
In the video, Rick is seen strolling across a lawn as the ducklings chase after his legs with total devotion.
As Rick manoeuvres more quickly across the lawns, the ducklings run faster, and finally group around his ankle when he stops at the end of the clip.
One commenter has requested that Rick and Matthew continue filming the ducklings’ development.
“I want him to make a channel on their livelihood...” said TH3RIPPA.
But, soon the ducks will become independent, and stop following Rick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments