TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Erna, a 17-year-old Crested Pekin duck who was rescued back in 2007 and quickly became the matriarch of the West Place Animal Sanctuary, has passed away. The beloved bird took her last breath surrounded by her friends and her daughter Sesame Monday afternoon. She was the last of the Tiverton sanctuary's original rescues and was believed to be the oldest duck in Rhode Island. West Place Animal Sanctuary staff and volunteers celebrated Erna's 17th birthday back in March, which marked a major milestone since her species has an average lifespan of between eight and 12 years. Staff described Erna as being a "legendary foster mom," since she raised hundreds of ducklings, goslings, chicks, poults and cygnets throughout her lifetime. She became a first-time mother to Sesame, her only biological daughter, when she was 15 years old. MORE: Duck at Tiverton animal sanctuary celebrates 17th birthday Erna "exemplified what farm animals are capable of when given proper care, nutrition and love," according to the Tiverton sanctuary. "There has never been a day at West Place without Erna," West Place Animal Sanctuary founder and executive director Wendy Taylor said. "I've known Erna for as long as I've known my husband." "[Erna] was a constant presence, a source of joy and a daily reminder of the impact our nonprofit has on animals who are often overlooked and underrepresented," she continued. West Place plans to eventually create and dedicate a memorial garden to Erna, whose legacy will live on at the sanctuary through Sesame. Taylor said Erna passed away two days prior to the start of the public voting period for the 2024 Defender Service Awards, which the sanctuary is a finalist for. "We're asking the public to vote daily to help us win a national award for Rhode Island," Taylor explained. "But now we're asking everyone to help us win for Erna." The voting period runs through Oct. 17. The Tiverton sanctuary hopes that, by receiving national recognition, staff will be able to share Erna's story and shine a spotlight on the importance of farm animal welfare. VOTE: 2024 Defender Service Awards Erna the duck celebrated her 17th birthday on March 31, 2024. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary)Erna the duck celebrated her 17th birthday on March 31, 2024. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary)Erna the duck celebrated her 17th birthday on March 31, 2024. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary)Erna the duck with West Place Animal Sanctuary founder and director Wendy Taylor. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary)Erna the duck (right) celebrated her 17th birthday on March 31, 2024. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary)Erna the duck celebrated her 17th birthday on March 31, 2024. (Courtesy: West Place Animal Sanctuary) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW