In fact, this is not just one of the monuments of which there are a lot in Moscow. This is a whole story that goes back to American children’s literature and Russian-American relations.

Do you know where the plot for the Monument to ducklings came from?

The plot is taken from the famous story “Make Way for the Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey.

Various adventures awaited the birds, the search for a safe place for the nest, as well as a kind policeman who fed them nuts.

It was the policeman who helped the duck family: Mrs. Mallard and her 8 chicks cross the busy roads, avoid being hit by the wheels of cars, and safely reach Mr. Mallard, who was waiting for them in Central Park.

And what have American literature and a public garden in Moscow to do with it?

The Gorbachevs, having visited the United States, saw a monument to ducklings in a Boston park. Barbara Bush decided to donate a copy of the monument to be installed in Moscow.

Alas, but after the very first day some bad man stole one of the ducklings (apparently, in order to hand it over as a non-ferrous metal). And in February 2000, 3 more ducklings were stolen.

In the fall of 2000, a sculptor from the United States (author of this copy) – Nancy Shen restored the sculptural composition, making it more vandal-proof. To this day, she stands in good condition.