The UQ ducks are as iconic as the annual jacaranda trees flowering or the sandstone that makes up the great court. With a dedicated following, including a Facebook page that currently has over 5 thousand members, providing daily updates of the wildlife on campus. Every year, ducklings hatch around campus, providing unlimited happiness and stress relief for many students (and staff) that happen to see them. 

However, it has become evident that UQ does not cherish its wildlife as much as the student body does. With no obvious signage on campus that indicates wildlife crossing, the ducks and other wildlife suffers from UQ’s thirst for expansion and image. This year in particular, UQ held their annual Bloom festival which “celebrates” spring but has subsequently led to the separation and death of a family of ducks.

Multiple concerns were raised by students in regards to the festivals location but it fell on deaf ears. UQ held a festival celebrating the joys of spring on the one area on campus known for its baby ducks and plovers. Loud music, festival equipment and increased foot traffic forced the birds to take up residence closer to the road. As a direct result, the combination of habitat destruction and lack of signage, led to the death of the mother of 7 ducklings. Three of those ducklings in addition, now are having to be raised by carer’s while the others are raised by the father on his own.

We as a student body deserve a university that cares. A university that doesn’t only preach sustainability but also practices it. We deserve a university that uses our thousands of dollars in tuition to make our campus a better place, both for us and the wildlife that lives there. 

We’re asking UQ to be held accountable in providing better signage around campus, as well as moving the Bloom festival to a more suitable location. In addition, an official statement that acknowledges that with better planning and communication with the student body, this tragedy could have been prevented.