“There is no way these little guys would’ve survived.”
As volunteers at Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary were preparing for Fourth of July festivities, an unexpected emergency changed their plans. The organization received a report about two tiny yellow ducklings struggling to survive in a pond near an apartment complex in Dearborn, Michigan.
Sanctuary founder Matthew Lyson immediately asked volunteer rescuer Faye to investigate the situation.
When she arrived, Faye located the ducklings floating near the center of the pond. Although she could clearly see them, they were too far away to reach safely without a boat or kayak. After assessing the situation, she contacted Lyson and explained that additional equipment would be necessary.
Later that day, Lyson returned with fellow rescuer Mike and a small boat. After carefully scanning the pond for several minutes, Lyson finally spotted the ducklings.
At first, he noticed only two tiny flashes of yellow moving across the water. As the rescuers approached, the frightened birds paddled away as fast as they could, their tiny feet churning beneath the surface in a frantic attempt to escape.
Working together, Lyson and Mike slowly guided the ducklings into a position where they could safely capture them using a small butterfly net.
Once the birds were secured, Lyson determined they were Pekin ducklings only a few days old. Unlike wild ducks, Pekins are a domesticated breed that depends on human care and is poorly equipped to survive in natural environments.
The rescuers believe someone had recently purchased the ducklings before abandoning them in the pond, mistakenly assuming they could fend for themselves.
The timing of the rescue proved critical. Only a couple of hours after the ducklings were brought to safety, the area was hit by a heavy rainstorm. According to Lyson, the tiny birds almost certainly would not have survived the severe weather if they had remained stranded on the water.
After the rescue, the ducklings were transported to Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary, where they joined other rescued ducks receiving long-term care.
Now safe from danger, the young Pekin ducks are eating well, growing a little stronger each day, and beginning the life they almost never had the chance to experience.