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Statue of missing duck unveiled live on Radio 1

Cathy Minton/BBC A statue of Long Boi, a 28in (70cm) cross between a mallard and an Indian runnerCathy Minton/BBC
The sculpture of Long Boi is life-size and made of bronze

A statue of a popular duck who went missing from the grounds of the University of York has been unveiled live on air during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

Host Greg James, dressed in black and wearing a mourning veil, revealed the sculpture of the unusually tall duck, known as Long Boi, in Central Hall.

Long Boi, a 28in (70cm) cross between a mallard and an Indian runner, was regularly featured on James’ show after gaining fame among students and is believed to have died last year after vanishing from the campus.

Speaking on his breakfast show, broadcast live from the university on Thursday, James said: "It is one of my great sadnesses that I never met Long Boi, though I feel like I did."

The statue was unveiled as part of a ceremony held at 09:00 BST, with hundreds of people watching on.

After the unveiling, a "minute's quacking" was held by those in attendance.

A Long Boi-themed cover of Hot to Go, Chappell Roan's hit song, was performed by York student choir The Sing Song Society while James threw miniature toy ducks into the audience.

BBC Radio 1 Greg James before the ceremony, dressed in black and holding the order of service. He wears a veil and lace gloves and holds an umbrellaBBC Radio 1
Greg James, dressed in black and wearing a mourning veil, unveiled the statue

"We celebrated Long Boi, Yorkshire’s finest, who sadly passed away a few months ago," the presenter said.

"He was Britain’s tallest duck and we did a memorial for him today - I promised we would and we did it."

James said he was dressed "like a grieving widow" and thanked a York menswear shop for selling him a tie with a duck design, adding the "finishing touch" to his outfit.

Royal Albert Hall organist Anna Lapwood recorded an organ rendition of Wiz Khalifa’s See You Again, which was played during the ceremony.

Charlie Jeffery, the university's vice-chancellor, said Long Boi had become a "symbol of community".

"It was quite striking how engaging and friendly he was," Mr Jeffery said.

Greg James unveiled the sculpture of Long Boi at the University of York
Hannah Sackville-Bryant/BBC An almost-full lecture theatre in YorkHannah Sackville-Bryant/BBC
Hundreds of people gathered to watch the unveiling

"It's an extraordinary thing that a group of students can find this wonderful animal and make a sensation out of him."

The statue of Long Boi was approved after more than £5,300 was raised during fundraising, according to the University of York Students' Union.

Who was Long Boi?

  • Long Boi lived in the grounds of the University of York between 2018 and 2023
  • Named by students on campus, he had the height of an Indian runner duck but the colouring of a male mallard
  • The duck gained widespread attention in 2022 after he was featured on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, with James Corden's US talk show also discussing him
  • His popularity saw him become an unofficial mascot for the university, with an Instagram fan account amassing more than 59,000 followers
  • He was presumed dead after he vanished from campus last year
Zoe Duffin Long Boi stood on some grass in front of a lakeZoe Duffin
Long Boi was featured on BBC Radio 1 and US television before he went missing

A clay mould was hand-carved by wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, before it was then shipped to Greece for bronze casting.

Mr Mason said he had been living in a “parallel universe”, with it recently dawning on him how far-reaching Long Boi's fame was.

Not only a regular talking point on Radio 1, Long Boi was also featured on US television.

Speaking about his sculpture, Mr Mason said: "I have tried to capture the character of Long Boi, hopefully I have embodied that."

University of York Students' Union The statue of Long Boi University of York Students' Union
The statue of Long Boi was hand-carved by wildlife sculptor Neil Mason

BBC Radio York heard from former student Tanisha Jain, who had a picture of Long Boi tattooed on her arm.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Ms Jain said: “Personally I am very, very excited for it and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one duck getting so much love.

“The tattoo was decided upon when I finished my university degree as I wanted a tattoo that commemorated my time at York."

Ms Jain added there was an irony in the tattoo as she had a fear of birds.

“I think some people will be confused, but Long Boi deserves it,” she added.

Former York student Tanisha Jain showing off her duck tattoo
Former York student Tanisha Jain had a picture of Long Boi tattooed on her arm
Holly Gittins/University of York Long Boi on University of York campusHolly Gittins/University of York
Long Boi was popular among students at the university, but was presumed dead last year

In a statement on X, the students' union recently said the statue had been a "long time coming".

"This memorial would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community, who keep Long Boi’s memory and legacy alive," it said.

"Through artwork, fundraisers, and even a few tattoos, you’ve ensured that Long Boi remains ever present in our hearts."

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