A giant rubber duck that had to be deflated after expanding from the hot weather will likely rejoin its companion for public viewing at Victoria Harbour.
The 18-meter-tall "Double Ducks" created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman to symbolize "enjoying moments together" were supposed to float on the Victoria Harbour for two weeks. But the organizer deflated one of them on Saturday as the rubber overstretched from the heat.
The deflated one was taken to Tsing Yi shipyard for repair.
Many still came to see the display yesterday, although some were deflated that only one duck was on the harbor.
Many children and adults also brought their own mini ducks. Some said they also saw the display in Tsim Sha Tsui 10 years ago.
A tourist surnamed Zhou arriving from Guangzhou in the morning said the duck evoked memories of another duck in Shanghai nine years ago.
"I thought it was a common rubber duck. But this one is more lively and cute," Zhou said, calling it memorable and impressive to visitors.
A big fan, Chan, who saw the duck 10 years ago, was disappointed she did not see two this time after hoping the event would evoke "happy feelings of prepandemic times."
A mother surnamed Leung accompanied her six-year-old daughter and said they were happy despite seeing only one duck and the hot weather.
The deflated duck was spotted being reinflated in the shipyard with its tail attached to a crane. It appeared to have no apparent damage. At around 6pm, it was deflated again.
The organizer said a team conducted checks and tests in view of the recent weather, saying the duck will be on view again though he did not specify exactly when.
Hofman said the weather is always the "paramount challenge" for the project.
But he said he was glad that the Hongkongers have been supportive. He added: "I'm very touched, once again, by the vigor, hope, positive feedback I personally got and creativity from Hong Kong people."
University of Hong Kong chemistry professor Fung Ying-sing said higher temperatures will result in higher pressure on the duck, affecting its structure.
Fung said the pressure varies in the different part of the duck due to its irregular shape and that it should not be over-inflated.
"Since this is not a spherical object, the pressure on the duck's surface differs. Some parts will suffer from higher pressure and [if inflated too much] some pointy places would leak."
Meanwhile in a charity move, some 5,000 mini ducks were laid on the 268 steps going up to the Big Buddha in Lantau.
Neighborhood Advice-Action Council and Ngong Ping 3600 said they are aiming to pass the message of friendship and cosmopolitanism symbolized by the rubber duck to all community sectors.
Some 1,000 of the mini ducks will be sold at Ngong Ping Village today with profits to be donated to the council.
Other ducks will be distributed to the council's beneficiaries or sold for charity.
stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com
