Furious student uprising after duck killed by car at University of Queensland

Thousands of people support a move a popular festival and for an “official acknowledgment” from officials after the tragic death of a beloved mother duck at UQ’s Saint Lucia campus.

The unintentional death of a mother duck at a prestigious Queensland university has prompted a bizarre outpouring of anger, grief, vigils, petitions and even bad poetry as students demand an end to some campus activities.

More than 3000 people have signed a petition titled Save the UQ Ducks after a mother duck died after being struck by a car at the University of Queensland’s Saint Lucia campus.

The petition says the duck’s death was a result of “increased foot traffic (that) forced the birds to take up residence closer to the road”.

A surviving duck at the University of Queensland. Picture: Jamie Hanson

The petition, created by Kate Stewart, has called for more signage for wildlife around campus and for the annual Bloom Festival celebrating spring to be moved as well as “an official statement that acknowledges that with better planning and communication with the student body, this tragedy could have been prevented.”

“UQ held a festival celebrating the joys of spring on the one area on campus known for its baby ducks and plovers,” she said.

“Loud music, festival equipment and increased foot traffic forced the birds to take up residence closer to the road.”

“As a direct result, the combination of habitat destruction and lack of signage led to the death of the mother of seven ducklings.”

Natasha Brettell, Oscar Michie, Billie Kugelman, Cara Rowe, Ryan Jover at Justin Chen hold a for the dead duck at UQ. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Parenting of three ducklings has since been shared between human carers while the father duck continued to raise four.

“Multiple concerns were raised by students in regards to the festivals location but it fell on deaf ears.”

“With no obvious signage on campus that indicates wildlife crossing, the ducks and other wildlife suffers from UQ’s thirst for expansion and image.”

A candlelight vigil was held on campus for the ducks on Thursday night where students could “pay respects” to the ducks.

UQ says it understands the death of one of the campus’ ducks is upsetting. Picture: Jamie Hanson

A poem was also written by one student in honour of the dead duck.

“Farewell mother duck, spread your wings and fly high. And rest up easy in that great lake in the sky,” the poem ended.

A University of Queensland spokeswoman said protecting the wildlife at the St Lucia campus was a key part of their ongoing maintenance program.

“We understand the death of the duck is upsetting for members of our community, and we have made a commitment that we will look into what else can be done to better protect our much loved wildlife on campus,” she said.

“Unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen and our website provides information on how to care for injured animals found on campus,” she said.