A proud new mama of a brood of ducklings traipsed her way through a New York nursing home last week, something she does every year, according to staff.
The health facility posted about the adorable event on Facebook, saying that the mama duck chooses one of the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center courtyards every year without fail to lay her eggs and take care of her babies.
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“She lets us know when she's ready to go by tapping on the glass, and this morning, it was time for this annual rite of spring,” the Facebook post reads.
Every year, mama follows the same path. Facility Services associates - one of whom said "She has us trained" - have old...
Posted by Thompson Health on Thursday, May 16, 2019
Nursing home staff is already prepared when the ducks are ready. They guide her and her ducklings with old signage in case they get sidetracked.
“She has us trained,” a facility service associate said of the duck.
This year, there were 13 ducklings following their mama -- straight out the door (held open by an assistant nurse manager) and right out into a park-like area behind the center.
Assistant Nurse Manager Betsy Willard held the door for the mama and her 13 babies.
Posted by Thompson Health on Thursday, May 16, 2019
Residents at the nursing home get to help see the ducks off, as well. One of them stood at the back door with nurses as they bid farewell.
The resident's daughter said, "Thank you to all the wonderful staff who included my mom...it made her day. thank you!!!!!!"
CNA Mollie Dey, left, and Wilma Gibson, center, joined Willard outside to see the ducks off.
Posted by Thompson Health on Thursday, May 16, 2019
In the final picture posted on Facebook, the ducks are seen walking away and the hospital sends well wishes: "Good luck, guys. We'll miss you!"
The family headed out into a large park-like area behind the facility.
Posted by Thompson Health on Thursday, May 16, 2019
'Til next year ...
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