7th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) A giant inflatable reproduction rubber duck, measuring up to 5 meters in height, has caused a stir in Sheung Sze Wan village, Hong Kong. The duck was purchased by a water sports shop owner through an online platform from mainland China and was inflated on the road in front of the house of local ‘village bully’ Wong Tsz Yeung, allegedly occupying government land.
Afterwards, the shop owner placed the giant duck on the sea for tourists to take photos without obtaining any official approval. The Marine Department inspected the area and issued a notice, demanding that the duck be removed within 24 hours, or the owner could face a fine of HK$10,000 and six months imprisonment.
Some villagers are concerned that the giant rubber duck could pose a risk if it is hit by strong winds, and they have called on the government to take action. The owner of the water sports shop claims that the duck was intended to attract more customers to use their kayaking services, and it was not related to Wong’s water sports shop.
Meanwhile, Florentijn Hofman, the Dutch artist behind the iconic 18-meter-tall giant rubber duck, is bringing double the fun to Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the yellow duck‘s first visit to Hong Kong, Hofman is bringing its identical twin with him. This large-scale public art exhibition, curated by the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR), will be floating in Victoria Harbour starting on 10th June, 2023, marking a mega comeback for the beloved inflatable duck.