Long Boi: How this unusual York duck will never be forgotten

YORK has spawned a few famous celebrities: actors Dame Judi Dench and Mark Addy have become international movie stars while composer John Barry will forever be remembered for writing the classic James Bond theme tune.

To that list we must add surely the city's most unlikely global superstar: a duck named Long Boi.

Just in case you have been living on a desert island for the past few years, here's a quick recap on how a duck with an unusually long neck captured the imagination of the world - so much so that Radio One broadcast its breakfast show from the University of York last week in conjunction with a the unveiling of a bronze statue in Long Boi's honour.

The duck - thought to be an Indian Runner duck-Mallard cross who stood at 70cm tall - is such a cherished part of university and city history that it has its own dedicated page on the University of York website.

Long Boi in all his glory. Image: Photo supplied

According to the university, Long Boi was a much loved duck who lived at the university between 2018 and 2023. His unusual appearance on account of his tall stature (which put him head and shoulders above other ducks on the campus) combined with his friendly character made him a hit with students, staffs and visitors.

Mystery surrounds how he actually set up home on Campus West. The university suspects he and another duck were brought to the lake by their former owners.

Following his sudden arrival, a biology student Zoe Duffin was taken by his odd appearance and coined his now legendary name. She set up an Instagram account (instagram.com/longboiyork) which now has more than 60,000 followers. Long Boi became an internet and media sensation.

York's best-loved feathered friend even made headlines stateside with a mention on James Corden's the Late Late Show in America in April 2021.

Tall footballer Peter Crouch was also a fan, describing Long Boi on social media as "My kind of duck".

In 2022, Radio 1’s Greg James took Long Boi to his heart, and our favourite duck became a regular feature on the Breakfast Show.

Meanwhile, the university was making the most of its famous duck.

Long Boi became an unofficial university mascot who featured in graduation speeches and welcome talks.

Part of the Long Boi art trail at University of York He graced Christmas cards and a range of merchandise sold by the Students’ Union.

A Long Boi student society was set up and some students even got Long Boi tattoos.

But joy turned to tears last May when Long Boi went missing, presumed dead. Tributes were paid and later that year the Department of Biology launched the Long Boiology Art Trail celebrating art, science and education in the Biosciences at York. A series of long duck silhouettes decorated by staff and students were fixed at various sites across the uni as part of the trail.

Following his disappearance, the Students' Union launched a campaign to raise £10,000 to commission a bronze, life-size statue in memory of Long Boi.

Which brings us up to date with the Long Boi story.

With Radio 1 DJ Greg James being such a fan, it seemed highly appropriate for him to broadcast his Breakfast Show live from the uni's Central Hall on Thursday September 26 to coincide with the unveiling of the life-size bronze statue of Long Boi by sculptor Neil Mason.

The entire event was a fitting send off - and a hugely irreverent one - for one of York's most colourful and unlikely famous sons.

James wore mourning dress - including a black veil - for the proceedings, which were sombre, but with tongue firmly in cheek.

In his eulogy, the DJ performed a take on the Lord’s Prayer – dedicating his words to "our Long Boi, who art in Yorkshire, legendary be thy name" and asking listeners to forgive our "hoisins".

He said: “Some people might not get why we are doing this today … but silly things are important, silly things get us through the day and, look, silliness brings us together.

“And our favourite animals get us through the day too.

“We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time you have to seize it with both hands.”

Radio 1 DJ Greg James at the University of York, left, and the statue to Long Boi, unveiled on Thursday, September 26, 2024

There was also a celebrity tribute section during the show in which famous actor Andrew Garfield - famed for playing Spider-Man - and cricketer Jonny Bairstow, among others, declared their love for Long Boi.

The university 'quackapella' society performed two songs in the late duck’s honour before the statue was revealed and the room began a minute of quacking as tribute.

After the unveiling, a Viking-style funeral for Long Boi was held, in which a large rubber duck was sent out into the university lake.

So, farewell Long Boi - York's most improbable celebrity: you may be gone, but never will you be forgotten.