RIP, evil university duck

By Emma Shaw
Updated November 5 2012 - 8:56pm, first published June 29 2009 - 10:49am
The duck sidles up to an unsuspecting uni graduate.
The duck sidles up to an unsuspecting uni graduate.
Blake Cochran, who set up a Facebook group dedicated to the duck, with a sculpture of the fiend.
Blake Cochran, who set up a Facebook group dedicated to the duck, with a sculpture of the fiend.
The UOW's "evil duck"
The UOW's "evil duck"

For years he terrorised students at the University of Wollongong.The feathered fiend would snatch possessions and go on angry rampages when people tried to fight him off. Yes, the so-called "evil" duck was a force to be reckoned with.He was the terror of the campus for seven years, chasing students and stealing food if they dared to venture onto his turf around the duck pond lawn.

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  • Facebook: In loving memory of the UOW evil duck But since his demise, it has become obvious he also held a place in the hearts of staff and students, and now a sculpture has been created to commemorate his life and acts of terror.PhD student Blake Cochran, whose lunch was often targeted by the winged aggressor, has started a Facebook group: In loving memory of the UOW evil duck. There are more than 1300 members."We've all experienced the wrath of the evil duck," Mr Cochrane said."He was a big part of so many people's university experience. He had a horrible temper but he was endearing because he was entertaining."Mr Cochran said the bird did not work alone but was often accompanied by a female accomplice - known as the evil mistress.The evil duck lived on campus from 2000 until January 2007, when he went to the big duck pond in the sky - or perhaps a fiery duck pond below."The story is that someone brought a dog to uni and it took a liking to the duck," Mr Cochran said.Vice-principal (administration) Chris Grange commissioned the artwork from sculptor and university creative arts technician Didier Balez. He said the duck had captured the imagination of many students and he wanted to help the legend of the creature last.Mr Cochran said he was pleased university officials had decided to honour the duck."It shows they have a sense of humour and they're in touch with the students," he said.
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