Fire and Rescue NSW retrieves wayward waddlers from drain - Goonellabah
Published: 21 Jul 2023 01:50pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have today rescued three ducklings that fell into a drain at Goonellabah, in the state's Northern Rivers.
A postman was travelling on Rouse Road, near Pleasant Street, around 8am, when he noticed the mother duck standing on the roadway.
He then saw one car 'clip' the hen's leg while the driver was swerving to avoid it.
The 'postie' safely pulled his motorbike to the side of the road before directing other traffic away from the mother duck.
He then realised she was peering into the drain, where her brood was stuck.
FRNSW firefighters arrived on-scene to assist with accessing and removing the three ducklings from the drain.
The crew, which specialises in hazardous materials response, conducted gas monitoring inside the drain to confirm it was safe to enter the confined space.
Once the all-clear was given, a firefighter 'ducked down', scooped the ducklings into a bucket, and exited the drain with the precious cargo in tow.
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation experts from WIRES were notified of the incident and attended the scene.
They were present as firefighters reunited the mother duck with her brood in a nearby park.
All the animals were given a clean 'bill' of health.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Video footage relating to the Goonellabah duck rescue is available for download - https://vimeo.com/847199656/e9b93fc8d2 [external link]
Updated: 21 Jul 2023 01:55pm
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Stations nearby
13 Taylor Avenue, Goonellabah NSW 2480
139-141 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480
1 Mellis Circuit, Alstonville NSW 2477