You can lead neglected ducks to water, but you can’t make them swim. That seemed to be the case, initially anyway, with dozens of waterfowl in a video that has gone viral during the past few days (posted below). These ducks, rescued victims of a hoarding case, had never experienced water and were gently coaxed into a small pond by their rescuers. As viewers can see, the birds eventually realized that taking a bath, or a leisurely swim, is one of life’s great pleasures.

The birds are among 160 ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens that had been living in squalid conditions with a New York hoarder who apparently did not realize how adversely filth and severe crowding–some had been living in crates–had affected the birds.

Many were suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

They were rescued through efforts of the Ulster County SPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

A story on the sanctuary website states: “Many were suffering from ailments caused specifically by their filthy living conditions. They lived in small sheds and animal carriers, overcrowded, living among layers of caked feces, and breathing in dust and the stench of ammonia.”

Of their new life in and around the ponds, the story explained: “They are now enjoying sunshine on their feathers, water to swim in, clean bedding, warmth, grass under their feet and room to roam for the very first time.”

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