Some love stories are truly extraordinary, capturing hearts with their uniqueness. One such remarkable tale unfolds between a man and a duckling that emerged from a mysterious egg he discovered and lovingly incubated.
The Extraordinary Beginning
The story of Riyadh Khalaf and his duckling, Spike, is like a whimsical children’s book. It starts with a simple premise: “One day, a man was walking along and spotted a lone egg where an egg should not have been…” This charming journey of curiosity, care, and a profound connection has captivated audiences worldwide.
A Chance Encounter in Devon
While exploring the Devon landscape in England, Irish author, broadcaster, and activist Riyadh Khalaf came across a solitary egg. In a video, he remarked, “We just found what we think is a duck egg… Just sitting here on its own. No nest. No other eggs.”
The Journey Home
Realizing the egg’s precarious situation, Riyadh carefully placed it in a paper cup cushioned with a napkin and embarked on a journey back to London. This involved several modes of transportation, including car rides and public transit. Drawing on his experience breeding chickens and pigeons, he ordered an incubator to provide the essential warmth and humidity necessary for the egg’s development, mimicking a mother duck’s care.
Becoming a Duck Dad
With the egg safely ensconced in the incubator, Riyadh found himself emotionally invested. As the days progressed, he was thrilled to witness signs of life, and he took on the affectionate role of “duck dad.” Daily movements and developments in the egg filled him with joy, prompting him to learn everything possible about duck care.
The Excitement of Hatching
Twenty-eight days later, the moment Riyadh had been waiting for arrived. He watched in awe as the egg began to crack, revealing a beautiful little bill. Though the hatching process could take up to 48 hours, he was overjoyed when he finally heard the soft tweets of the newly hatched duckling. “It was love at first sight,” he recalled, naming his new companion Spike.
Preparing Spike for Independence
Once Spike was ready to leave the incubator, Riyadh constructed “Duckingham Palace,” a cozy setup to nurture him. Understanding the importance of mental health for ducklings, he took meticulous care to help Spike integrate into his natural behaviors. To ensure Spike learned how to become a normal duck, Riyadh simulated interactions with mirrors and even introduced a stuffed duck as a surrogate. His commitment to Spike’s well-being was unwavering.
A Community Effort and the Path to a Thriving Life
After 89 days, the time came for Spike to leave Riyadh’s care and join a rehabilitation center where he could integrate into a flock of ducks. Although his story seemed to have a happy ending, challenges arose when the U.K. government mandated that due to a bird flu outbreak, ducks had to be kept indoors. Rallying support from his community, Riyadh successfully raised funds to build a protective indoor shelter, ensuring Spike and his friends stayed safe.
Spike’s New Life
As of June 2025, Spike is thriving under the care of Leanne Clarke at “The Quack Shack,” a rescue shelter that benefitted from Riyadh’s fundraising efforts. While Spike is remembering Riyadh less as he acclimates to his new life, this bittersweet development reflects his successful transition into a safe and healthy environment.
Riyadh’s touching journey with Spike underscores the profound impact of compassion and community. Their story not only highlights the importance of wildlife care but also the extraordinary connections that can be formed through acts of kindness.
