As a wildlife expert with Eastern Virginia Wildlife Rescue, Shawnda Bentley has helped many animals escape dangerous situations. Recently, Bentley received news that 32 ducks were stuck in a tricky spot at an elementary school nearby. Luckily, she knew just what to do.
It was time for a “duck walk.”
Eastern Virginia Wildlife Rescue
Sometimes, ducks lay their eggs in inconvenient places, often large paved courtyards near public buildings. When the eggs hatch, the mama duck can fly off on her own. But the ducklings, who haven’t learned how to fly, have no way to get to their water source. To get the ducks to safety, animal rescuers lead what they call a “duck walk,” safely ushering the birds to a more hospitable area.
In this case, 32 ducks were stuck near Kempsville Meadows Elementary. But this wouldn’t be a usual duck walk — this one was unique.
“Normally, you have one mom and her babies,” Bentley told The Dodo. “At this school, for some reason, they have multiple moms, and the babies intermingle.”
In total, there were two mamas and 30 ducklings, all of whom were far from where they needed to be.
With help from fellow wildlife rehab volunteers and a group of parents, students and teachers, Bentley led the ducks on a journey through the school. The rescuers held up sheets to usher the birds in the right direction, smiling as they watched the ducks pad down the hallways.
Eastern Virginia Wildlife Rescue
Once outside, rescuers continued through the grass, keeping their eyes peeled for kids, dogs, cars, open drains and anything else that might harm the ducks. Finally, they made it to a nearby body of water.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see when the babies get in the water for the first time,” Bentley said. “There is an excitement for them.”
Eastern Virginia Wildlife Rescue
Watching the ducks settle in, Bentley felt a familiar sense of satisfaction.
“It’s fun, it’s rewarding, it’s exciting to see,” she said.
