It seems the famed Buc-ee's chain, the mega travel center known for its beaver mascot, is holding firm on its policy even when it comes to viral sensations. Justin Wood and his internet-famous "service duck," Wrinkle, have been handed a lifetime ban from all Buc-ee's locations following their recent, and now last, trip to the Sevierville, Tennessee store. Wood's attempt to shop with Wrinkle in tow caught the attention of staff, leading to an incident captured on video and subsequently shared with the duck's considerable social media following. In a video posted on Wrinkle's "SeDucktive" social media accounts, including YouTube and Facebook, which Knox News reports have gained over 200,000 views, it shows the duck in a stroller being initially challenged but later allowed to remain inside after Wood presented service animal certification.
My San Antonio covered Wood's reaction to the ban, quoting him as having said, "She didn't do nothing wrong." He continued philosophically about the future of their travels, "There are a lot of gas stations in the world — this one might not be for us." Arriving at the store, Wood and Wrinkle were quickly confronted by an employee about the store's no-pets policy, leading to a series of events that resulted in the ban. After attaching a leash to Wrinkle, as per the recommendation of the staff, Wood proceeded inside only to be met by law enforcement and informed they were no longer welcome at any Buc-ee's.
A more detailed account of the incident provided by 3BM Media News describes a police officer, after speaking with store management, sternly telling Wood, "If you're caught on property you'll be charged with trespassing." The encounter did not end there; Wood was also instructed to purchase a toy that Wrinkle had nibbled on while inside the establishment.
Despite the popularity and human affection for animal influencers on social media, businesses like Buc-ee's enforce their policies without exemptions. With Wrinkle and Wood, their story serves as a reminder that internet fame does not equate to a free pass, especially when confronted by an employee saying pets, even feathered ones with a following, must adhere to the existing store policies. "Even if it’s considered a service animal, you have to be able to contain it, and it can fly out," the employee advised Wood in the video, as per 3BM Media News. It seems that, regardless of the leash or the service animal certificate, Buc-ee's unwavering stance on animals in their stores will remain unflappable.
