We are urging tolerance towards wildlife

15.06.11

We are asking motorists to drive carefully and watch out for duck families on the roads after hundreds of ducklings have been admitted to our wildlife centres.

We’re also urging tolerance towards wildlife after reports that many were victims of deliberate cruelty. One duckling was recently stamped on, another pelted with toys, and several others were orphaned after a car was seen deliberately aiming for, and killing, their mother.

 

Large numbers of ducklings admitted

Injured and orphaned ducklings are regularly one of the largest admissions to our wildlife centres.  Last year, there were 1,753 mallard ducks brought into our centres in need of care – more than any other species. 

Already this spring, there has been total of 550 ducklings admitted. At our East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk, one of the worst hit areas, there has so far been 235 ducklings admitted, with 45 arriving in just one day.

Many were injured in road accidents or orphaned after their parents were killed, but others were purposefully attacked.

Alison Charles, manager at East Winch Wildlife Centre, said:

We would urge people to take extra care on the roads at this time of year and keep your eyes open for any young wildlife which may be crossing them – especially ducks which seem to get a particularly rough deal.

We have more ducklings than I can count at the moment – it is a real problem and sadly one which we tend to see every year. Some are here because of genuine accidents but many are the result of deliberate acts which can be pretty brutal.

I have known of far too many cases where people have aimed for duck families in the road, or pelted them with sticks and stones.

It never fails to shock me how people can be so intentionally cruel.

Worried about wildlife?

Worried about injured or orphaned wildlife? Read our advice:

• What to do with injured wild animals
• What to do with orphaned wild animals

Or call the RSPCA emergency helpline on 0300 1234 999.

 

---

Find out more about our wildlife rehabilitation work and how we're helping wildlife.
 

---