LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- For the past 11 years, the ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock have been escorted like clockwork from their penthouse home to parade in front of hotel guests, but Tuesday was their last goodbye.
As part of the ritual of marching of the Peabody ducks, duckmaster Lloyd Withrow donned his red jacket, and once again uttered the words, "You're about to take part in one of the South's finest traditions."
They're the original Duck Dynasty, and Withrow said it's been a great run.
"It's been an incredible opportunity; incredible folks here at the Peabody," he reflected.
The ducks have marched into the hearts and minds of hotel guests, and Tuesday they marched into history. Guests and spectators filled up the hotel and lobby to get one last look, including Little Rock resident Lindsey Goodwin with her 3-year old daughter, Molly.
"What did you think, Molly. Did you like them?" Goodwin asked her daughter. "We were impressed. We thought they were great."
Even people from other countries witnessed the final walk.
"In Africa, we take ducks for granted, but to see the ducks obey the Duck Master, and they obey him. Do ducks speak?" said President of the Nigeria Empower Program, Chief Temitope Ajayi.
They may not speak, but they've left a webbed imprint on many generations.
The ducks are headed to the Peabody Hotel in Memphis to finish out their season.
Usually, when the ducks have finished their run, they head to a private lake.
