Rubber Ducks add to our scientific knowledge

Often maligned and taken for granted, this little American Icon has been quietly assisting scientists study the oceanic currents since 1992. And they're not doing it in somebody's bath tub.

Our Hero

"In 1992, a shipping crate containing 28,000 plastic bath toys was lost at sea when it fell overboard on its way from Hong Kong to the United States."

Since then they've been turning up on shores around the world. Folks have been reporting and logging their landings. There's a website set up to report findings and they're the subject of a book.

Their "currents" travels

So, let's start showing a little respect for these lil fellers, OK?