Memorial event for Longboi at the University of York

The duck, who was famous around the campus at the university, as well as rising to fame on social media, rose to prominence in 2018 when he first appeared.

He was first noticed by Zoe Duffin, then a Biology undergraduate at the university after she created an Instagram account, which brought 'Longboi' viral.

Today’s the day. Tune in to @BBCR1 from 7am onwards on as we celebrate the life and legacy of Long Boi with @gregjames.

Listening live? We've rounded up all the key information you'll need to know ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bZwmpOVKGe

— University of York (@UniOfYork) September 26, 2024

The duck, who measured 70cm tall, was noted for his size - which stuck out from other ducks at the University of York, while his cult status grew to such a level that he became an unofficial University mascot, mentioned in graduation speeches and welcome talks, as well as featuring on Christmas cards and a range of merch sold by the Students’ Union.

BBC's Greg James mourns Longboi (Image: GREG JAMES/INSTAGRAM) And while his fame was growing, people started to notice in Spring 2023 that Longboi wasn't seen around campus any more - but in May 2023, the university had to conclude that Longboi had likely died.

Long Boi became an unofficial University mascot, mentioned in graduation speeches and welcome talks. He was featured on Christmas cards and a range of merch sold by the Students’ Union.

Longboi (Image: UNIVERSITY OF YORK) In the aftermath of his death, tributes from across the globe were made - with BBC Radio One presenter Greg James most notably leading the tributes at the time and encouraging listeners to pay tribute too. 

BBC's Greg James with Vice Chancellor of The University of York, Charlie Jeffery (Image: GREG JAMES/INSTAGRAM) These tributes led to a memorial event for Longboi, which took place on Thursday (September 26) at the University of York and saw students, staff, and members of the public gather to pay their final respects to the famous duck - with 700 tickets given out to the memorial event at Central Hall. 

BBC's Greg James with a Longboi statue (Image: GREG JAMES/INSTAGRAM) During the memorial, songs were performed, poems read out, and a statue of Longboi was unveiled, while Greg James did his whole breakfast show from the University of York campus. 

During the show, the broadcaster said: "I never met Longboi - but feel like I did."

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The memorial involved the vice chancellor of the University of York, Charlie Jeffery, who said: "He was popular around campus with students, and embodied the spirit of the university."

Later on BBC Radio One, BBC presenter Callum Leslie presented a bedtime story about Longboi, while the university held a 'raise a cuppa in the courtyard' tribute to the duck at 8.30am.

The university also encouraged people to buy merchandise from the Student Union and share their memories of the famous 'unofficial mascot'.