Commemorating the life and legacy of Long BoI
He’s arguably one of the most famous ducks in the world.
Championed by students and celebrities alike - quite simply the world has gone quackers for the University of York’s Long Boi.
The 70 cm-tall Indian runner mallard duck became a social media sensation when Greg James featured him on his Breakfast Show.
Now a statue of the legendary duck has been unveiled by Greg live on BBC Radio 1, with the event even featuring on BBC News at Six.
Here are some of the many highlights:
Hundreds of staff, students and alumni filled Central Hall on 26 September 2024 to watch the unveiling.
Hundreds of staff, students and alumni filled Central Hall on 26 September 2024 to watch the unveiling.
The Breakfast Show team travelled to campus for the event.
The Breakfast Show team travelled to campus for the event.
Most surreal morning ever. Long Boi sung to the tune of Chappell Roan’s Hot to Go, all while @gregjames lobs mini ducks into the audience. It’s what he would have wanted. #longboi @BBCLookNorth pic.twitter.com/Byoa4yStID
— Cathy Minton (@cathy_booth) September 26, 2024
Fans lined up to watch as Greg walked to Long Boi's favourite lakeside spot to pay his final respects.
Fans lined up to watch as Greg walked to Long Boi's favourite lakeside spot to pay his final respects.
The event concluded with a not-so-traditional Viking burial on the campus lake.
The event concluded with a not-so-traditional Viking burial on the campus lake.
So long, Long Boi.
So long, Long Boi.
He’s arguably one of the most famous ducks in the world.
Championed by students and celebrities alike - quite simply the world has gone quackers for the University of York’s Long Boi.
The 70 cm-tall Indian runner mallard duck became a social media sensation when Greg James featured him on his Breakfast Show.
Now a statue of the legendary duck has been unveiled by Greg live on BBC Radio 1, with the event even featuring on BBC News at Six.
Here are some of the many highlights:
Hundreds of staff, students and alumni filled Central Hall on 26 September 2024 to watch the unveiling.
Hundreds of staff, students and alumni filled Central Hall on 26 September 2024 to watch the unveiling.
The Breakfast Show team travelled to campus for the event.
The Breakfast Show team travelled to campus for the event.
Most surreal morning ever. Long Boi sung to the tune of Chappell Roan’s Hot to Go, all while @gregjames lobs mini ducks into the audience. It’s what he would have wanted. #longboi @BBCLookNorth pic.twitter.com/Byoa4yStID
— Cathy Minton (@cathy_booth) September 26, 2024
Fans lined up to watch as Greg walked to Long Boi's favourite lakeside spot to pay his final respects.
Fans lined up to watch as Greg walked to Long Boi's favourite lakeside spot to pay his final respects.
The event concluded with a not-so-traditional Viking burial on the campus lake.
The event concluded with a not-so-traditional Viking burial on the campus lake.
So long, Long Boi.
So long, Long Boi.
A SCULPTURE FIT FOR A KING
The sculpture, in honour of Long Boi's legacy, will stand near the lake at Derwent College on the University campus, a favourite haunt of Long Boi.
The clay mould of the life-sized statue was hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason before being shipped to Greece for bronze casting.
The clay mould of the life-sized statue was hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason before being shipped to Greece for bronze casting.
The University of York Students’ Union raised the money to pay for the statue, which would ensure Long Boi "remains ever present in our hearts".
Our research fits the bill
Living, learning or working at York means we always have resident expertise on our doorstep - from the brave and brilliant to the weird and wonderful, we can always rely on our academics to showcase relevant research about today’s world.
Professor Ruth Penfold-Mounce looks into popular culture and death, and after we sadly announced Long Boi had passed, she’s been commenting on why we give these celebrities such a send-off.
“The UK is particularly fond of memorialising animals, reflecting its animal lover reputation.
“Who can forget the faithful Greyfriars Bobby, the dog that guarded his master's grave for 14 years until his own death, and who is immortalised as a statue in Edinburgh”.
A SCULPTURE FIT FOR A KING
The sculpture, in honour of Long Boi's legacy, will stand near the lake at Derwent College on the University campus, a favourite haunt of Long Boi.
The clay mould of the life-sized statue has been hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, before it was then shipped to Greece for bronze casting.
The clay mould of the life-sized statue has been hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, before it was then shipped to Greece for bronze casting.
The University of York Students’ Union raised the money to pay for the statue, which would ensure Long Boi "remains ever present in our hearts".
Our research fits the bill
Living, learning or working at York means we always have resident expertise on our doorstep - from the brave and brilliant to the weird and wonderful, we can always rely on our academics to showcase relevant research about today’s world.
Professor Ruth Penfold-Mounce looks into popular culture and death, and after we sadly announced Long Boi had passed, she’s been commenting on why we give these celebrities such a send-off.
“The UK is particularly fond of memorialising animals, reflecting its animal lover reputation.
“Who can forget the faithful Greyfriars Bobby, the dog that guarded his master's grave for 14 years until his own death, and who is immortalised as a statue in Edinburgh”.
FRIENDS IN GREEN PLACES
Our University of York campus is defined by its lakes and wildlife.
Long Boi called the green parkland and lakes of the University campus his home and regular sightings of the tall duck with his friendly demeanour brought joy to students, staff, the local community and visitors.
Long Boi was always happy to stop for a snack and pose for photos. (Photo credit: Caitlin McDowell)
Long Boi was always happy to stop for a snack and pose for photos. (Photo credit: Caitlin McDowell)
FRIENDS IN GREEN PLACES
Our University of York campus is defined by its lakes and wildlife.
Long Boi called the green parkland and lakes of the University campus his home and regular sightings of the tall duck with his friendly demeanour brought joy to students, staff, the local community and visitors.
Long Boi was always happy to stop for a snack and pose for photos. (Photo credit: Caitlin McDowell)
Long Boi was always happy to stop for a snack and pose for photos. (Photo credit: Caitlin McDowell)
Connecting our community
Professor Penfold-Mounce said Long Boi enabled students to connect with one another and the campus.
“Longboi was a stand out bird among overwhelming numbers of native and migrating ducks and geese. He came to be not only a feature of campus life, but a symbol of the heart and humour of the University of York community.
“Most students who come to York have moved here from elsewhere in the UK or abroad and many leave behind pets.
“The attachment to Longboi was widespread and encouraged a really positive symbol shared by the campus community."
"Everyone was on the lookout for Long Boi and a sighting of this tall duck was a talking point.”
Connecting our community
Professor Penfold-Mounce said Long Boi enabled students to connect with one another and the campus.
“Longboi was a stand out bird among overwhelming numbers of native and migrating ducks and geese. He came to be not only a feature of campus life, but a symbol of the heart and humour of the University of York community.
“Most students who come to York have moved here from elsewhere in the UK or abroad and many leave behind pets.
“The attachment to Longboi was widespread and encouraged a really positive symbol shared by the campus community."
"Everyone was on the lookout for Long Boi and a sighting of this tall duck was a talking point.”
@uniofyork Vital information for any Uni of York student 🦆 #fyp #viral #longboi ♬ original sound - University of York
@uniofyork Vital information for any Uni of York student 🦆 #fyp #viral #longboi ♬ original sound - University of York
A LONG LEGACY
Tanisha, York Sport President, wears her love of Long Boi on her sleeve
Tanisha, York Sport President, wears her love of Long Boi on her sleeve
Long Boi’s story goes beyond a typical university mascot. Our York Students’ Union has taken Long Boi’s legacy to new heights.
For anyone studying at York, he remains a symbol of joy and community, bringing smiles to students, staff, and visitors alike.
Long Boi will always be missed, but never forgotten. In the words of Radio 1 DJ Greg James:
“He lived a long life, Long Boi. And what a fantastic boy he was.”
A LONG LEGACY
Tanisha, York Sport President, wears her love of Long Boi on her sleeve
Tanisha, York Sport President, wears her love of Long Boi on her sleeve
Long Boi’s story goes beyond a typical university mascot. Our York Students’ Union has taken Long Boi’s legacy to new heights.
For anyone studying at York, he remains a symbol of joy and community, bringing smiles to students, staff, and visitors alike.
Long Boi will always be missed, but never forgotten. In the words of Radio 1 DJ Greg James:
“He lived a long life, Long Boi. And what a fantastic boy he was.”
Make York your home
Inspired by Long Boi's legacy? Find out why so many students flock to our campus:
Make York your home
Inspired by Long Boi's legacy? Find out why so many students flock to our campus:
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