RSPCA rescues duckling trapped in Liverpool university drain

An RSPCA inspector has rescued a distressed mother duck and her nine ducklings at Liverpool Hope University, including one duckling stuck three feet down a drain.

Inspector Anthony Joynes responded promptly to a call on Thursday 14th May, alerting him to the trapped duck family in an unsuitable courtyard near Taggart Avenue.

Anthony described the rescue efforts: “This poor mallard and her chicks were trapped in an enclosed and unsuitable courtyard. The staff believed she’d had a clutch there the previous year too but none had survived so they knew they needed to help her. Rounding up the babies was a bit like a Benny Hill sketch but I got there in the end and managed to contain them safely."

Upon learning one duckling was missing and feared attacked by magpies, Anthony discovered it stuck down a drain.

After carefully lifting the duckling out and reuniting it with its family, the ducks were released at Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

Anthony was overjoyed at seeing the duck family swim off safely: “One of the best parts of the job is seeing those ducklings following their mum and knowing they’re safe now thanks to the RSPCA and the members of the public who called us.”

The RSPCA is promoting their Summer of Kindness initiative, encouraging animal lovers to participate in Seven Acts of Kindness to make a meaningful impact for animals.

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