For the love of ducks
April showers bring… Jeep® flowers? Okay, well maybe not flowers but definitely Jeep ducks!
Today ducking has become a global sensation with nearly 50 countries joining in the fun. Initially starting as a random act of kindness, rubber ducks have taken the (Jeep) world by storm. But when did it begin? And why did it start?
Ducks of kindness
Do you remember July 2020? It had been seven months since United States’ first case of Covid-19 and essential workers were working around the clock. With no end to the pandemic in sight, people were ready to smile again.
That’s where the ducking phenomenon comes in!
Started in a store parking lot, the goal was simple: put a smile on a fellow Jeep 4 x 4 driver’s face.
Struck with an idea and the desire to spark some joy into a stranger’s day, a duck was placed onto a Jeep vehicle. It was sweet and simple! By putting a rubber duck on the vehicle, it became a way of saying, “I like your ride.”
However, the vehicle’s owner was watching… and he was thrilled! At the owner’s insistence, an image of the car with the rubber duck was posted online later that day with the hashtag #DuckDuckJeep.
Starting with one small act, this ducking phenomenon has not only thrived in the last five years but also become a staple in the Jeep Brand community.
A ducking phenomenon
Fun fact: there are more than 1 billion rubber ducks made every year! Can you guess what the majority of them are used for? They’re actually purchased for the purpose of… well… ducking.
But it’s not just the little yellow rubber ducks we’re all familiar with that you might see! Themed, mini and giant ducks are used as well. Speaking of giant ducks – did you know that in 2022 the world’s largest rubber duck was unveiled in honor of this craze? Measuring a whopping 61 feet, it might be a little difficult to sneak this duck onto a Jeep vehicle.
If you want to get in on the action and start ducking around, we have a few tips:
- Get your Jeep ducks in a row! Keep them on you when you’re out and about so that the next time you come across a Jeep vehicle, you’re ready.
- Be very, very quiet. While it’s not really a bad thing to run into the vehicle’s owner, who doesn’t enjoy a fun surprise every now and again?
- Visibility is key. Make sure when you’re ducking someone, it’s easy to find! Windshields, bumpers, and side mirrors are all great places to leave Jeep ducks.
Strength and Steel
Today, the Jeep® brand has gained a loyal following. But before it became a household name, it served America’s heroes. Driving into the line of fire alongside Allied soldiers, the dependable 4 x 4 would earn its legacy on the frontlines of World War II.
With a patriotic history spanning more than 80 years, it’s easy to see how these durable quads have captured the hearts of so many. And with our exclusive series of Jeep coins and paper money, you can put that reliable vehicle in your collection.
Which Jeep coins have been your favorite so far? What are your favorite ducks to leave on a Jeep vehicle? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Sources:
Ducks of kindness –
Automoto Blog. “When Random Acts of Kindness Go Viral: The Story of Duck Duck Jeep.” Accessed January 29, 2025 https://www.automoblog.com/duck-duck-jeep/
Petroelje, Nathan. “Mother Ducker: Meet the Woman Behind the Jeep World’s Happiest Obsession.” Accessed January 29, 2025 https://www.hagerty.com/media/great-reads/mother-ducker-meet-the-woman-behind-the-jeep-worlds-happiest-obsession
A ducking phenomenon –
Noble, Breana. “‘World’s largest rubber duck’ at Detroit auto show celebrates Jeep ‘ducking’ movement.” Accessed January 29, 2025 https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/detroit-auto-show/2022/09/13/worlds-largest-rubber-duck-detroit-auto-show-celebrates-duck-duck-jeep-movement/10359914002
Duck Duck Jeep Ducking. “Jeep Ducks Craze Uncovered: History, Types & Rare Finds.” Accessed January 29, 2025 https://duckduckjeepducking.com/jeep-ducks/#history-of-jeep-ducks-and-statistics
Bankston, Brandon. “Jeep Ducking: It’s Still a Thing in 2025.” Accessed January 29, 2025 https://www.cartalk.com/cars-content/jeep-ducking-its-a-thing
Have seen many duck postings on social media- always wondered where it came from! Love this
It’s a fun little activity. Almost makes you want to buy a Jeep, doesn’t it? 😀 Thanks for visiting. We’re glad you enjoyed the post. Come back soon!