Jena, 12.05.2026. Animal-related operation in the center of Jena: On Monday morning, a duck family of fourteen brought road traffic on a major artery to a brief standstill for a short time.
- Event: Duck family stops road traffic
- Location: Intersection Fürstengraben / Löbdergraben, Jena-Zentrum (View on Google Maps)
- Time: Monday morning, approx. 09:45 AM
- Details: Mother duck with twelve chicks crosses the road on the way to the Saale
Determined march through the city center
Around 9:45 AM, drivers and pedestrians in the Jena city center were quite amazed: A mother duck waddled determinedly with her twelve fluffy chicks across the busy intersection at Fürstengraben and Löbdergraben. To avoid putting the small family in danger, car drivers and public transport had to wait briefly. An attentive Jena resident took advantage of the rare moment and photographically documented the bird family’s unusual excursion. According to eyewitnesses, the goal of the animal pedestrians was clearly recognizable: they were heading directly towards the Saale.
Background: Wildlife in urban areas
The area between Fürstengraben, Löbdergraben, and the banks of the Saale is a densely built and heavily frequented zone in the Jena city center. Not only do central tram lines run here, but also important distribution roads. Especially in spring, however, animal encounters occur here repeatedly. Waterfowl often breed in protected gardens or parks located slightly away from the actual river. As soon as the chicks have hatched, the mother instinctively leads the offspring via the shortest route to the nearest body of water. Police and animal welfare activists generally advise in such cases: drivers should remain calm, maintain sufficient distance, and allow the animals a safe crossing without panicking them by honking or sudden approach.
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Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.