(CNN) — Hong Kong’s favorite new resident, a giant inflatable duck, took a turn for the worse on Wednesday, looking less like an oversized lovable plaything and more like an unappetizing fried egg on the water.
The 16.5-meter (54 feet) inflatable sculpture mysteriously lost its mojo overnight, deflated and bobbed lifelessly in Victoria Harbour.
Organizers called an urgent duck crisis meeting early Wednesday and didn’t respond to questions about the misfortunes of the duck.
The duck has captivated Hong Kong since its arrival earlier this month. News of the duck’s deflation was splashed across Hong Kong media.
Called “Rubber Duck,” it’s the product of Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. After going on show on May 2, it was to be on display until June 9.
Though it’s unclear what happened to the duck, the artist told CNN earlier that the duck was built locally so it would be easier to fix, referring to would-be attackers as “sculpture stormers.”
Hong Kong is the latest port of call for the duck. It’s previously taken up temporary residence in cities all over the world, including Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paolo and Amsterdam.
The duck hasn’t always enjoyed plain sailing. In 2009 during a port call in Belgium, it was stabbed more than 40 times by a vandal.
For more details on the duck during more festive times read our earlier report: Hong Kong crazy for giant duck
Freelancer Kate Whitehead contributed to this story.
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