A FLOCK of ducklings were plucked from the Alexandra Fountain by wildlife rescuers yesterday after concerns grew for their welfare.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
White Hills Wildlife Shelter owner Lyn Waller said she received a call from a concerned passer-by shortly before 2pm.
The passer-by had contacted Bendigo Animal Welfare, which recommended he contact Ms Waller.
“Lucky I was in the car and had all the equipment on board when he called, so I was able to head there straight away,” Ms Waller said.
The self-described “duck lady” said she suspected the ducklings had followed their mother into the water and were unable to climb out.
Ms Waller said that if left in the fountain’s chilly water for much longer, the ducklings could have frozen to death.
Arriving to find the three ducklings and their mother “stressed and freezing”, she climbed into the knee-deep water to pull the young family to safety.
“The mother was in the fountain when we arrived, but she flew off,” Ms Waller said.
The ducklings will spend eight weeks at Ms Waller’s wildlife shelter before being released.
To report an injured wild animal, call Ms Waller on 0419 356 433, 24 hours a day.