An animal welfare officer and several concerned residents came together in Escambia County, Florida to rescue a duck with an arrow in her wing.
The injured Muscovy duck was spotted in the Wildwood Lakes neighborhood on November 16, according to WKRG News. She appeared to be less than a year old and unable to fly due to the injury.
When Escambia County Lead Animal Welfare Officer Merideth Roberson responded to the call, she was met by several residents worried for the duck’s safety. Sgt. Roberson made multiple attempts to capture the duck, according to Escambia County News. One of the residents aided the rescue effort by providing a canoe.
When Sgt. Roberson finally caught the injured duck, she paddled back to shore with one arm and cradled the duck securely in her other arm.
The duck was then taken to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, where she received veterinary attention. Fortunately, she is expected to make a full recovery.
Muscovy ducks are not native to Florida and Federal regulations do not allow captured Muscovy ducks to be released or relocated. Once the duck is fully recovered, she will be adopted into a forever home through a partner agency.
“I think the most rewarding part is just the satisfaction that the animal is going to get the help they need,” Sgt. Merideth Roberson said when asked about the rescue.
Lady Freethinker applauds Escambia County Animal Welfare and the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida for their humane work helping a nonnative animal in need. No animal deserves to be hurt or killed just for existing.
We also commend the community for speaking up to save the life of the innocent duck. To read another animal rescue story where officers teamed up with a concerned resident, click here.
