Today we have a story from our Chief Inspector Ritchie about some ducklings he rescued on a callout last night. 

Last night I was asked by Inspector Clare if I could attend an incident where four ducklings had fallen down a culvert in Tawa. Clare had already logged a call with the Wellington City Council requesting assistance to remove the grate.

I attended the incident around 7pm where I met with caller who showed me the culvert that the ducklings had fallen down. I was able to remove the grate and check inside, but unfortunately the lil’ guys and girls had ventured further down the pipes into the main storm water system.

Just as things were starting to look bleak, a WCC works truck arrived.  The worker and I had a quick discussion about the incident, and we then set about removing the man hole cover to the storm water drain. After some 20 – 30 odd minutes of levering and belting with crow bars and sledge hammers, we managed to remove the cover and access the drain junction. I climbed into the drain and immediately rescued two of the ducklings, but the remaining two duckling ran about 10 -15m up the storm water drain completely out of reach.

We then decided to run water down the drain to wash the two down the pipe into my waiting net. While I was waiting for the council worker to flush the ducklings down, I began a long barrage of arduous whistling like a duckling, which fortunately  resulted in both returning back down the drain where I was able to capture and place them with their siblings. The council worker was really positive, ready and willing to assist in the rescue of the ducklings, it was fantastic.

Without the assistance of the council worker, it would not have been possible as access to the storm water drain required tools that we do not carry. This rescue had an excellent outcome.

I took the ducklings home as there was no mother around and they were stressed, and placed them with a clucky hen I have, where she kept them warm and safe for the night.  This morning I transported them toCraig Shepherd’s duck sanctuary where they will be raised and released.

Normally though, it is best to let nature be, and leave the animals where they are, as mothers are often close by. If ducklings are all by themselves with no mother around, or if you’re unsure, you can give us a call on 389 8044.