In a heartwarming display of courage and compassion, a group of nurses in Oceanside, New York, sprang into action to save a mother duck and her babies from a dire situation. The dramatic rescue unfolded when a duck and her ten ducklings wandered through a hospital parking lot and nine of the ducklings fell through a sewer grate into the darkness below.
“They quickly jumped into action,” wildlife rescuer Karenlynn Stracher recounted in a video documenting the rescue.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, the nurses removed the heavy sewer cover and devised a makeshift safety line using a chain tied to a Jeep. With this setup, they courageously descended into the sewer and successfully rescued six of the nine trapped ducklings.
However, the remaining three ducklings were still out of reach. Determined to save all the ducklings, the nurses called the local fire department for assistance. With the help of the firefighters and their expertise, the team managed to retrieve the last three ducklings, bringing the rescue operation to a triumphant conclusion.
The ducklings spent the night with Stracher, where they began recovering from their ordeal. The following day, they were moved to Animal Nation, a wildlife rehabilitation facility equipped with everything they need to grow and thrive.
Reflecting on the bravery and quick thinking of the nurses, Stracher expressed her admiration: “[I] was impressed by their bravery. It really is a testament to their caring nature [that they] watch out for not just humans, but wildlife as well. They are amazing people for doing what they did!”
This heartwarming story serves as a powerful reminder of the compassion and dedication of healthcare workers, who extend their care beyond humans to the vulnerable creatures around them. The quick actions and teamwork of the nurses and firefighters ensured the safety and well-being of the duckling family, showcasing the extraordinary lengths people can go to protect and save lives, no matter how small.