SAN ANSELMO (CBS SF) — Seniors at a center in San Anselmo were overjoyed Wednesday when their pet duck returned home after getting special permission from federal authorities.

Juanita the duck had wandered away from her home at Bello Gardens assisted living facility in September, and was caught up in federal red tape with the department of fish and wildlife.

Unable to be returned home because the senior center lacked a federal permit to keep the wild mallard, Juanita spent months at a wildlife care facility while seniors were forced to mourn her loss.

“Juanita brings them happiness, and they are going to be really happy today, and having her all through the holidays,” Neysa Hinton said just before the seniors were reunited with Juanita.

Juanita will now be an educational wild animal. As part of the deal to get her home, Bello Gardens hired a duck expert to educate kids about wild animals. Juanita will be the star of that show as well as the center of attention from her regular fan club at home.

“Wonderful. It’s a good Christmas present. It’s a beautiful day and everything is perfect,” Norma Manning a Bello Gardens resident said.