A group of ducklings launching themselves off a Manhattan pier to join their mother in the Hudson River has captured hearts across the internet.
Abby Decter (@abbydecter), 28, a publicist from New York City, shared heartwarming footage of around 10 ducklings taking the plunge from the West Side Highway in Tribeca.
The video shows the tiny birds bravely hopping off the edge one by one, following their mom into the water below. As they leap, bystanders gasp, clap and cheer. The video garnered 3.6 million likes and 20.7 million views on TIkTok.
“The feeling was electric everyone just stopped what they were doing to watch. [It was] just one of those moments where everyone comes together,” Decter told Newsweek.
In the video, a woman shouts, “Go go go,” as more ducklings muster the courage to jump. Eventually, just two remain. One jumps, leaving the last little one hesitating—until it finally takes the leap, prompting a wave of cheers from the crowd.
Ducks are surprisingly common in New York City, especially along the rivers and in parks like Central Park and Prospect Park. Several species including mallards, wood ducks, and mergansers can be spotted in the city’s waterways year-round, according to Birding Around NYC. Ducklings are typically born in spring and early summer, when mothers often lead their broods to water shortly after hatching—a risky journey that sometimes includes navigating urban obstacles like busy streets and piers.
TikTokers were quick to turn emotional over the duckling footage, chiming in with comments that ranged from heartwarming to hilarious.
“For anyone who identifies with the ‘last duck,’ you got this. They all got in the water safely, and everyone’s timing is different and their progress is NOT less valid,” said one user.
“We don’t want war, all of us just want to watch baby ducks,” said another.
“I’m so proud of them,” said Mario.
“They’re so tiny and brave,” said Cali.
“They’re so tiny and brave,” echoed another viewer.
“Queue ‘Let’s Go Girls!’ by Shania Twain,” joked another user.
“You already know the first one to jump was the oldest sibling. Terrified AF on the inside, but put on a brave face, because… well, somebody had to show the younger ones it would all be okay,” shared another.
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