Hundreds of Ducks Need New Homes as Rescue Sanctuary Closes

Adoption fees waived as nonprofit shutters after decades of caring for waterfowl

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:35pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of several ducks swimming in a pond, with the scene rendered in soft, out-of-focus pools of warm color and light.As a long-running duck rescue sanctuary prepares to close, hundreds of ducks await adoption to find new permanent homes.Orange Today

A beloved duck rescue sanctuary in Riverside County, California is set to close, leaving nearly 500 ducks in need of new homes. The nonprofit organization has cared for the ducks for decades, but is now shuttering due to financial and logistical challenges. In an effort to find the ducks loving new families, the sanctuary is waiving all adoption fees.

Why it matters

The closure of this long-running duck rescue highlights the ongoing need for animal welfare organizations and the challenges they face in sustaining operations. With hundreds of ducks suddenly needing new homes, the local community will have to rally to ensure these animals are properly cared for going forward.

The details

The Riverside County duck rescue sanctuary has been operating for over 30 years, providing a safe haven for hundreds of domestic and wild ducks. However, the nonprofit is now shutting down due to a combination of financial pressures, staffing shortages, and the difficulty of maintaining the large waterfowl population. In order to find loving new homes for all 487 ducks currently at the facility, the sanctuary is waiving all adoption fees.

  • The duck rescue sanctuary has been operating for over 30 years in Riverside County.
  • The nonprofit organization is set to close its doors in the coming weeks.

The players

Riverside County Duck Rescue Sanctuary

A nonprofit organization that has cared for hundreds of domestic and wild ducks for over 30 years in Riverside County, California.

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What’s next

The sanctuary is encouraging anyone interested in adopting one or more of the ducks to visit the facility and complete the adoption process before it closes. Local animal welfare groups are also working to help find new homes for the ducks.

The takeaway

The impending closure of this long-running duck rescue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations, and the importance of the community coming together to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable creatures when such facilities shut down.