In summer 2024, broadcaster and internet personality, Riyadh Khalaf discovered an abandoned mallard duck egg resting on the ground by a footpath while working in Devon, England. With no nest, no mother and no other eggs in sight, Riyadh considered what to do.
With his experience breeding and raising racing pigeons, chickens and finches, he knew there was a possibility the egg could still be viable so made the decision to try and save what life may be inside.
After an arduous journey back to London with the egg carefully held in a paper coffee cup, he placed the egg into an express-shipped incubator. A month later, Spike hatched into the world.
At the time of writing, Spike and Riyadh's story has amassed almost 100 million views on social media and their shared journey of triumph over advesity has been featured on the BBC and The Dodo.
The odds were stacked against Spike from the start, but with the care and attention Riyadh provided, he is turning into the Mighty Mallard he was always meant to be!
Spike's future looks bright too. He will soon go to live at a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary with a flock of fellow rescue ducks.
