In 2006 the Elche council decided to get rid of the ducks on the pond in the municipal parks because of the perceived threat of avian flu.It was the Ministry of Agriculture which made the ruling not to have ducks within 10 kilometres of the wetlands where all of the wildfowl breed.It was thought that this was a temporary measure ,however four years later the birds have not returned and only empty cages exist.

The loss of the birds has even been recorded on Facebook and over 2000 people suggested that they should be returned.The council has asked the authorities to consider their return.The original birds cannot be returned as they have been found new homes .However it would be possible to introduce similar birds.

Businesses near the ponds have noticed that fewer people walk in the park now and consequently their businesses are suffering.People like to take their children for a walk in the park and feed the ducks.They then often go and have a drink at a local cafe.Therefore these ducks have a value which isn’t just biological.