Scottish SPCA

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Ducklings rescued from drain

Five newborn ducklings are recovering in the Scottish SPCA's care after they fell into a drain on a busy Edinburgh street.

A member of the public called us for help when they spotted the ducklings tumbling into the drain after crossing the road at the junction between Crewe Road South and Craigleith Hill Avenue on Monday (18 June).

Animal Rescue Officer Jenni Wright arrived to rescue the ducklings and, with the help of Edinburgh City Council workers, pulled them back up to safety.

The ducklings are now recovering at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross, near Alloa.

Jenni said, "The ducklings were being led across the road by their mum when sadly one fell into the drain and the others followed.

"Thankfully a lady was walking by and called us for help straight away. The ducklings were quite distressed and making lots of noise calling for mum to come back but unfortunately there was no sign of her.

"Council workers managed to get the drain cover off and, having been trapped inside for 20 minutes, the ducklings were safe and well.

"We'll now give them the care and attention they need and hopefully we'll be able to release them back into the wild when they are fully fit and able to fend for themselves."