Duck Walks Off; Mate Wants It Back

Have you seen this duck? Lately? If so, call the East Lansing Police Department to report your sighting.

The duck, which had been located in Fountain Square  in the Children's Sculpture Garden (just outside the Marriott), has gone missing. Made of bronze, the sculpture is worth $2500. The remaining duck is said to be missing its mate. ELi has been unable to confirm whether the bronze frog, turtle, and young girl also miss the errant bird.

Unfortunately the fowl of interest left no tracks upon departure, leading police to assume it had foul human assistance. Presumably someone pretty buff, because it weighs a lot.

According to a press release from the City, East Lansing Arts Commission Chairperson Kevin Epling has said, “It would be considered an act of good faith for the person who stole this treasured public art piece to return it safely to the sculpture garden enjoyed by children - young and old."

Epling added, "The East Lansing community has celebrated an expansion of its public art offerings over the past week, including the opening of the Broad Art Museum and the dedication of a new mural in downtown East Lansing. The bronze duck is an important part of the City's growing public art collection and we would like to see it safely returned."

If you have information on our web-footed friend, please contact ELPD Detective Candace Ivey at (517) 319-6851. Says an email from city staff Ami Van Antwerp, "Questions will not be asked if the duck is returned safely and charges will not be pressed."

This reporter adds an open message to the thief: "Don't be a pig. Give us back our duck now, or we'll send out the dogs."