Breaking News / Yellow Rubber Duck Won’t Be Inflated Before Saturday; Hofmann Understands Organizer’s Decision

▲ The Yellow Rubber Duck in Taoyuan deflated on the evening of the 3rd and couldn’t be reinflated due to strong winds. (Photo provided by netizen Xiao Rui)

Travel Desk / Comprehensive Report

Strong northeast monsoon winds in Taoyuan’s Xinzhuang area are expected to continue until the weekend. To ensure the safety of the Yellow Rubber Duck, the Taoyuan County Government team decided on the evening of the 5th that the duck will not be inflated and displayed for three consecutive days starting the 6th (Wednesday to Friday). Inflation will only take place when the wind eases over the weekend and ideal conditions are met.

The Taoyuan Land Art Festival entered its 11th day on the 5th. Except for the temporary suspension of the Yellow Rubber Duck exhibition, all other zones are operating as normal. Organizers said that more than 20,000 visitors came to the site on the 5th. As for whether the duck will go on display, based on data from the Central Weather Bureau, this spell of northeast monsoon is expected to last until the weekend. Therefore…No inflation will take place from Wednesday to Friday. However, if weather conditions permit, the duck may return to the pond before the festival closes.

The Taoyuan County Government stated, “Father of the Duck, Florentijn Hofmann, called the organizers today, saying that the original concept of the duck was for it to float peacefully on calm waters. Hofmann understands the strong northeast monsoon conditions in Xinzhuang Township in recent days.Based on safety considerations, he advised against forcing the display. At the same time, he expressed admiration and recognition for the efforts of the county government team in recent days, and hopes the public can understand the organizers’ decision.””

The county government also said that Mr. Hofmann looks forward to the opportunity for his duck artwork to be exhibited again in Taoyuan at a more suitable season and environment in the future. Organizers stated that after the conclusion of this Land Art Festival, they will further promote this idea, allowing the duck to return to the ponds of Taoyuan for another exhibition—giving those who missed seeing the cute duck another chance to view the artwork.

It has been confirmed that the Yellow Rubber Duck will not be placed in the water this Wednesday to Friday. Organizers will prioritize the duck’s safety, closely monitoring local wind and weather conditions in collaboration with the Central Weather Bureau and the National Central University meteorology team, before making any further decisions or taking action. If weather conditions allow, the duck may return to the pond before the festival ends.