The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is buzzing with a playful phenomenon that’s left staff and students both puzzled and amused. Rubber ducks have been mysteriously appearing in offices across the campus, turning workspaces into whimsical displays and sparking a wave of speculation about the mastermind behind this lighthearted prank.
The Feathered Frenzy Begins
The “ducking” saga quietly started in March when a new face arrived on campus. What began as isolated incidents soon escalated by April and May, with rubber ducks popping up in more and more locations. During orientation week, the ducks seemed to multiply overnight, especially with office doors left open amid the campus hustle and bustle. Building 8 emerged as a hotspot, with numerous offices finding these feathered friends perched on desks, bookshelves, and computer monitors.
Suspects and Speculations
As the ducks continued to appear, theories about the culprit began to circulate. Marika Zacharias, an assistant in the Academic Success Centre, found her office adorned with glow-in-the-dark ducks. Some have associated her with the prank due to the sheer number of ducks in her workspace. However, her colleague Katherine Saunderson stated that Marika denies any involvement in orchestrating the prank.
Attention also turned to Dakota Den Duyf, who works as a Career Readiness Coordinator. Given Dakota’s history of playful antics, many speculate that this “would be a Dakota move.” The idea that Dakota or their team might be behind the prank adds another layer to the campus mystery.
Even the Registrar’s Office hasn’t been spared. Alongside other departments, they’ve discovered ducks nestled among paperwork and office supplies. This isn’t their first brush with campus hijinks—they’ve previously experienced a flamingo prank, possibly linked to the Geep Club, and even rumors of pothole pranks have surfaced.
Community Embraces the Quackery
Rather than causing frustration, the ducking incidents have infused the campus with a sense of fun and camaraderie. On Valentine’s Day, ducks were given out as tokens of appreciation, adding to the festive atmosphere. Stories circulate of a father who asked a coworker to hide ducks in various offices, contributing to the ongoing prank and highlighting the community’s embrace of the unexpected.
Bill Clyne, involved in coordinating work-integrated learning projects, may have witnessed or even participated in some of the duck placements. His involvement underscores the widespread nature of the prank, bridging various departments and roles within the university.
Some suggest that the Access Resource Centre (ARC) could be the source of the ducks, given their practice of handing out ducks and flamingos as “emotional support animals.” The fact that the archives remain untouched by the ducking suggests that the prank might be a departmental inside job or that the pranksters have yet to reach every corner of the campus. Note that graduation ducks are also given to students who have used ARC services and are graduating.
A Campus United in Laughter
What started as a small prank has evolved into a cherished campus tradition, offering a welcome distraction from academic pressures. Offices have begun to adopt the ducks, incorporating them into their décor and daily routines. The playful atmosphere fosters a sense of unity and joy among staff and students alike.
The Great Ducking Mystery has not only provided entertainment but also sparked conversations and connections across departments. Whether it’s Marika, Dakota, or someone from the Access Resource Centre, the campus is alive with speculation and delight.
Have You Been Ducked?
We want to hear your stories! If you’ve found a rubber duck—or perhaps another unexpected guest like a flamingo—in your office or around campus, share your experience with Over the Edge. Let’s unravel this mystery together, one quack at a time.
