There’s an old saying about someone taking to something “like a duck to water” because water is a duck’s natural habitat and where it is happiest. In the video below, however, you’ll meet a group of neglected ducks for whom water has sadly never been a part of their lives.

The ducks were raised living in horrible conditions with a hoarder, and they had never had the chance to swim in all their lives. Thankfully, they managed to escape and were rescued by the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, where they were nursed back to health.

When the ducks were healthy enough, it came time to teach them how to swim. Since the ducks had never seen a body of water as large as a pond, this was no easy task, as the animals were quite nervous about getting in.

The staffers at the sanctuary tried to usher the ducks towards the water, but they did not have much success at first.

Finally, the ducks made their way towards the water, much to everyone’s delight. The staffers were overjoyed when the ducks jumped in, and before long, the formerly abused animals were having the time of their lives splashing around! In the most literal way possible, the ducks took to the pond like a duck does to water!

Thanks to the efforts of the staff at this incredible sanctuary, the ducks will now have the happy lives that they deserve. We’re so glad that their story has had a happy ending!

Check out their reaction to water for yourself in the video below.