Meet the Ducks of Vergenoegd Löw: The Sustainable Workers of the Winery

The Vineyard Ducks

In the eighties, the Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate in South Africa came up with a unique solution to make their wine production more sustainable - employing around 1600 ducks as part of their workforce.

Sustainable Pest Control

The ducks' main job is to help manage the winery's pests, reducing the need for pesticides and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to farming. Their diligent work ethic and keen sense of smell make them excellent workers in this role.

Daily Routine

Every day at 10:30 AM, led by their duck manager, the ducks head out to the fields to begin their pest control duties. At 4 PM, they return to the estate's lake for the night, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness their twice-daily march to and from work.

Retirement on the Island

The ducks are cared for by a dedicated duck manager who checks for eggs daily. They are divided into working and resting flocks, ensuring they all have time to recuperate. After their time in service, the ducks get to retire on the lake's island, enjoying a peaceful rest after their diligent careers.