Five newborn ducklings rescued after becoming trapped in drain

Ducklings: The five were calling for their mother, who was nowhere to be found.Scottish SPCA

Five newborn ducklings had to be rescued when they fell into a drain on a busy street in Edinburgh.

The ducklings were being led across the road by their mother at the junction between Crewe Road South and Craigleith Hill Avenue on Monday when the accident occurred.

A member of public called the Scottish SPCA when she spotted the five young ducks tumbling into the drain after crossing the road.

Animal rescue officer Jenni Wright arrived at the scene, where she was helped by City of Edinburgh Council workers to pull the ducklings to safety.

They are now being cared for at the animal welfare charity’s National Wildlife Centre at Fishcross, near Alloa.

Ms Wright 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."

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