Hundreds of Ducks Surrendered to Riverside County Animal Shelter

480 ducks up for adoption after being removed from overcrowded Anza sanctuary

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:55am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a flock of ducks swimming in a pond, with the scene rendered in soft, blurred pools of warm light and color.The vibrant colors and tranquil atmosphere of a new home await the hundreds of ducks surrendered to Riverside County's animal shelter.San Jacinto Today

Nearly 500 ducks were surrendered to Riverside County Animal Services by a rescue sanctuary in Anza, California, in one of the largest intakes of animals the department has seen in the past decade. The ducks were removed from the property due to severe overcrowding, though they all tested negative for infectious diseases. The animals are now available for adoption at the San Jacinto Valley animal shelter, with the county waiving all adoption fees.

Why it matters

This large-scale surrender highlights the challenges faced by animal rescue organizations and the need for responsible pet ownership and oversight. The removal of the ducks from the overcrowded sanctuary aims to provide them with a better living environment and the opportunity for adoption into caring homes.

The details

Riverside County Animal Services received a complaint about severe overcrowding at the Anza animal sanctuary, which was caring for not just ducks, but also geese, roosters, and a pig. After investigating the property, the department decided to remove the 480 ducks and make them available for adoption. While the animals tested negative for infectious diseases, the overcrowded conditions were deemed detrimental to their wellbeing.

  • The ducks were surrendered to Riverside County Animal Services on April 16, 2026.

The players

Riverside County Animal Services

The department responsible for the removal and adoption of the 480 ducks from the Anza sanctuary.

Anza Animal Sanctuary

The rescue organization that was caring for the ducks and other animals prior to the surrender.

Daniel Markichevich

A local resident who plans to adopt 20 ducks for his 3.5-acre farm in San Jacinto.

Savannah Burgardt

Daniel Markichevich's fiancée, who is also interested in adopting the ducks.

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What they’re saying

“This is the largest intake of any species for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services in probably the past decade.”

— Veronica Perez, Spokesperson, Riverside County Animal Services

“Given the scale of overcrowding that we were seeing, it prompted us to say, 'It's best to test some of the animals to see if there was anything going on.' And so we were able to get a sample to test for infectious diseases, and they all came back negative. But with the scale of overcrowding, if they were in a better environment, they might not be as stressed. They might not have maybe some of the deficiencies in vitamins maybe that they could be having. Really, it was working with the property owner to say, 'Hey, let's find better placement for these animals given the severe overcrowding.'”

— Veronica Perez, Spokesperson, Riverside County Animal Services

“Ducks are actually flock animals and they want to be around companions.”

— Veronica Perez, Spokesperson, Riverside County Animal Services

“We have a 3.5-acre farm, so they will just go right into the area and enjoy, and we'll get out there and look at them, eat their eggs and have a whole full life for them.”

— Daniel Markichevich

“I love them. They're adorable. I wish I could take more.”

— Savannah Burgardt

What’s next

Riverside County Animal Services is encouraging anyone interested in adopting the ducks to visit the San Jacinto Valley animal shelter, where all adoption fees have been waived to help find homes for the animals.

The takeaway

This large-scale surrender of ducks from an overcrowded sanctuary highlights the need for responsible pet ownership, proper oversight of animal rescue organizations, and the importance of finding caring homes for displaced animals. The Riverside County community has stepped up to adopt these ducks and provide them with a better quality of life.