Injured duckling returns home to mama

Published 12:01 am Thursday, June 16, 2011

PORT ANGELES — A duckling rescued after it was shot with a 5-inch metal blow dart has been released back to a Lincoln Park pond.

Volunteers with the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center in Sequim released the healed ducking Monday evening, said Matthew Randazzo, center spokesman.

“This is an extremely happy ending,” Randazzo said.

“The duckling immediately identified its family and, within two minutes, was swimming with its mother and playing with its larger sibling.”

The duckling was shot in late May and rescued by Port Angeles resident Brenda Borte on June 5.

The blow dart was removed from the duckling’s chest during surgery conducted by Dr. Jennifer Tavares at Greywolf Veterinary Hospital on June 8.

The bird was released after a week of rehabilitation care at the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center conducted by Director Jaye Moore.

The center is seeking tips on the person who shot the duck.

Tips can be emailed to Matthew@NWRaptorCenter.com.

Videos of the duckling’s release and reunion with its siblings can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/3gfexxe and http://tinyurl.com/3deo5ap.