Ducklings bring traffic to standstill on busy West Yorkshire roundabout
The RSPCA had to rescue the ducklings and their mother in Wakefield
A family of eleven ducklings and their mum brought traffic to a standstill while the RSPCA rescued them from a busy roundabout in Wakefield.
They baby ducks were spotted stranded in Kirkgate, at around 2 pm on Wednesday 25 April.
A member of the public saw them with their mum, but they were unable to cross the busy road.
The RSPCA was called and inspectors Joanne Hartley and Joanne Taylor managed to round up the ducklings up.
The babies were placed into cardboard boxes and the mother followed them to the nearby River Calder.
The ducklings were safely released onto the water and their mum quickly ran to be back with her brood.
Inspector Taylor said: “I walked with the ducklings in the box and Joanne encouraged mum to follow and also stopped traffic so she could safely keep up.
“I then had to climb down a six foot wall to get to the edge of the river. Once there I opened the box and released ducklings and mum was quick to follow her youngsters.
“They all swam off as one happy family - and it was heartening to see. I am grateful to the person who spotted the stricken ducklings and reported the matter to us.”
Anyone who is concerned for the welfare of an animal or who sees an animal in distress, like these ducklings, are urged to call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999 or any local wildlife rescue group.