The family of the duck Merlín attended President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning conference at the National Palace on Monday, June 22.
The president highlighted the family’s story and announced support to improve their quality of life after the bird gained fame during the 2026 World Cup.
Carla Gómez, Merlín’s owner, explained that the duck receives special bird food, vegetables, fruits, proteins, live charales and crickets. On Sundays it gets a carnitas taco from a street vendor.
The family recalled that Merlín arrived after Waffle died in January 2024 and that Bruna, its predecessor, went viral in 2020 for wearing sneakers. Both experiences helped in the current care of the bird.
Gómez confirmed that on Monday they began procedures with IMPI to register Merlín’s image and brand.
