A Group Of Ducklings Follow Man Everywhere, Thinking He Is Their Mother

Sep 13, 2018 by apost team

It's impossible not to smile when you see little ducklings, all in a row, following their mother down winding country paths. But not all mother ducks are created equal.

Take this middle-aged man, who has set the internet on fire with a clip of him walking his adorable feathered brigade across the countryside in South Korea. His flock of tiny ducks, twenty-one in all, have imprinted on him and rely on his care in order to survive. But he isn't just a good Samaritan taking care of a flock of orphaned ducks. He's a nationally certified Duck Father and has been fostering the ducklings since they were eggs.

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Unlike creatures like sea turtles, ducks aren't born with instincts that direct their behavior. In fact, they aren't aware that they are birds at all. Unlike many mammals that naturally gravitate to their own or similar species, ducks will imprint on the first caretaker they see at birth. This can result in some pretty hilarious cross-species parent-child relationships. Imagine a goose who thinks he's a cat!

It also presents certain challenges as the ducklings grow up and must learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild. This was the dilemma that led this South Korean man to take to the streets with his ducklings in tow.

Worried that the ducklings wouldn't be strong enough to survive if left at home alone, this Duck Daddy decided to take them with him as he went on his regular hikes. They follow him closely, working hard to keep pace. They trust him implicitly and have learned to identify his voice and respond to his commands.

This special relationship will endure for years to come. The ducklings will identify their foster father as their leader for the rest of their lives. As they grow older, they may have to learn how to fly with a little help from specialists, but they will always return to the home of their Duck Papa. This relationship is for life.

This heartwarming brood is proof that the love between parents and children can transcend even species. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!