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Mexico City's viral duck ambassador Merlín robbed of special shoes
🇲🇽 Mexico /Elections & Politics

Mexico City's viral duck ambassador Merlín robbed of special shoes

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The official ambassador for Mexico City's 2026 World Cup bid, a duck named Merlín, had his special shoes stolen in the capital.
  • Merlín's owner reported the theft during a press conference, explaining that the duck now wears socks for paw protection.
  • The duck receives a special diet and veterinary care, and its owner expressed happiness with public interaction.

Merlín, the duck officially representing Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup, has become the latest victim of crime in the capital. His owner, Karla, revealed at a press conference that the duck's special shoes were stolen.

A duck cannot walk without protection on pavement, so we put socks on him because his shoes were stolen.

— KarlaMerlín's owner, explaining the need for paw protection after the theft.

"A duck cannot walk without protection on pavement, so we put socks on him because his shoes were stolen," Karla explained. She added that Merlín now wears socks to protect his feet.

Karla also shared details about Merlín's diet, which includes special duck food, vegetables, fruits, and proteins like charales (small fish) and crickets. She humorously noted that he also enjoys a carnitas taco on Sundays. Merlín is reportedly in good health and has a veterinarian specializing in birds.

So, because of that, we had to put his socks on him so he doesn't walk around like that. We try to protect our baby as much as possible so that nothing is damaged.

— KarlaDescribing the immediate action taken after the shoes were stolen.

Despite the theft, Karla expressed pleasure that people approach Merlín for photos and interaction, highlighting the duck's popularity as an ambassador.

And also, on Sundays, he eats a carnitas taco.

— KarlaDetailing Merlín's special diet.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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