Dale de la Rey/AFP/Getty Images
People visit Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s installation ‘Double Ducks’ after one of the ducks was deflated at Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor June 10, 2023.
CNN –
One of two giant rubber ducks on display at Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor was deflated on Saturday to protect it from sweltering temperatures.
Organizers said they made the decision to deflate the duck just a day after the couple arrived in port after an inspection found its surface had stretched in the hot weather.
The deflated duck is sent for repairs while her friend remains in port as part of a pop art installation called “Double Duck”.
Locals and tourists had gathered on the shore in the scorching sun to catch a glimpse of the artwork – some were discouraged to see only one duck.
A 35-year-old Hong Kong resident explained that she took her child to see the oversized bath toys.
“Today we originally planned to take my child to the yellow duck. We also saw it 10 years ago. Back then there was only one yellow duck, but today we came to see double ducks.
“But unexpectedly there is now only one duck. However, we are not disappointed. As long as the kids are happy, that’s enough.”
A tourist from Thailand explained that her sister was a “big fan” of the giant ducks.
“So she was super sad because she can only see one.”
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s ‘Rubber Duck’ first appeared in Victoria Harbor a decade ago.
The installation was conceived in 2001 before debuting in France six years later. It appeared in cities like Osaka, Sydney and Sao Paolo before arriving in semi-autonomous Chinese territory in May 2013.
The artwork’s prior arrival in Victoria Harbor caused a worldwide sensation – in part because it mysteriously deflated overnight before being reinflated days later.
The pop art installation returned to port on Friday, this time with not one but two ducks. At 18 meters (59 feet) tall, they are slightly taller than the specimen that made global headlines 10 years ago.
“Double duck is double happiness,” artist Hofman said in a statement. “The work emphasizes friendship and connection… ‘Double Ducks’ isn’t about looking to the past, it’s about enjoying the moment together!”