Mother Paces Frantically as Nine Babies Fall Through Grates Into Storm Drain
For
Immediate Release:
May
9, 2012
Contact:
Shakira
Croce 202-483-7382
St. Petersburg, Fla. -- On May 3, St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue responded to a call that nine ducklings had fallen through the grates atop a storm drain at Tyrone Square Mall. It took three members of the team to lift the grates before one of the rescuers jumped down into the storm drain and carefully lifted each of the baby birds to safety. Then, they stood guard as the mother—who had been frantically pacing back and forth and seemingly calling for help—got her ducklings in a row before leading them into some nearby brush. For their heroic efforts, the members of the St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue will receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.
"The compassion and heroism shown by the members of the St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue team should serve as an inspiration to others always to help animals in need—whether it's reporting an animal in distress to local authorities, asking a neighbor to let a chained dog indoors, or taking a homeless cat to an animal shelter," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "St. Petersburg is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect both human residents and wildlife who call the city home."
St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue will receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, a box of vegan chocolates, and animal oxygen masks.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.