Remains of runaway Hofman duck wash ashore in Guizhou

Guizhou’s giant inflatable duck met its end on Monday as wreckage was found washed up on a riverbed of the Nanming River.

When the duck initially disappeared on Wednesday of last week, following days of heavy rainfall, the Guizhou government offered a cash reward to anyone who could find the special overgrown bath toy. A hotline was even set up for local residents to report any sightings of the runaway.

Starting their tours around the world in 2007, hitting up cities such as Sydney and Hong Kong, the famous Florentijn Hofman-designed ducks were meant to promote peace.

Following the launch of Guizhou’s iconic yellow friend, Yuyuantan Park in Beijing became home to a giant 34m-long frog. However, it seems not destined for the same peaceful purpose: the slimy giant quickly became likened to former president Jiang Zemin and the demise of his faction. Needless to say, it was quickly removed from social media. It seems peace cannot be blown up — who'd have guessed?

Yet, there is some light at the end of the tunnel! Apparently there is a new Rubber Duck scheduled to arrive in Guiyang next week to be exhibited until 24 August, so all is not lost.

Thank God for that.