Expert: Kevin Irwin - 6/7/2001

Question
Hello Boston experts--

I have a question regarding the origin of the live ducks in the Boston Public Gardens.  I see them there every year in the Spring and Summer, and they seem to return every year.  I assumed that these ducks just flew in, but was assured that they were "semi-domesticated" ducks that were brought in every year (by the Park authority?)  I know the swans are brought back every year to the Duck Pond, but surely the ducks aren't, are they?  Do you know?  This would settle a long argument over ducks in city parks (not much unlike the one in Catcher in the Rye)
Thanks for any leads!

Answer
Sorry.  I tried doing a web search for this info, but almost all the sites were either about the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues or the Duck Tour.  The only advice I can give is to contact the Boston Parks Dept.  Try this website:
http://www.ci.boston.ma.us/contact/default.asp?ID=80
Their phone # is 617-635-4505 or email parks@ci.boston.ma.us
Sorry I couldn't find the answer for you.