The DU Lounge

Last edited Mon Aug 17, 2020, 12:38 AM - Edit history (1)

Last Sunday, I paid a wopping fee for a service to come to our community pond to safely "capture" and transport the oldest feral domestic duck on our community pond to a wildlife center so their vet could take a look at his injuries and, possibly, fix and refer him for rehab and healing before bringing him back to his girlfriend, Molly.

Aflac, (what else would he be named), is pushing at least 12 years old. He injured his leg and possibly a wing (domestic ducks can't get lift to fly) somehow and could bear no weight; he swam lopsided, and in the 90 plus degree heat he pushed himself up onto the sunny bank for hours beneath the hot sun. He could/would not stand to eat or drink, but his eyes were still clear as he gallantly tried to get up as we approached. Was he hit by a car? Fought with a Canadian goose? Fought over his girlfriend? Just stumbled and lost his balance? Attacked by a predator but fought it off? Pulled out of discarded fishing nylon line? I just don't know, but I am sick with worry. We have raised Aflac's children and perhaps a few grandchildren. Where there was only Aflac, then a few more discarded from care at our pond, and caring for his babies until they could fend on their own, we now have only 8 instead of 9. You see domestic ducks bred for meat or eggs are not good parents. Humans usually provide most of their protection, and male ducks have very short lives because they end up on plates. I've been trying to contact the hospital to find out about his diagnosis, prognosis, or humane euthanasia, but they are very busy and I can't reach a human. Perhaps they just don't want to say he'll not be returning...I'll try to contact the wildlife center personnel again tomorrow for word.

Maybe, just maybe, the doc took him home and this is part of his rehabilitation? GO, AFLAC! Get both those strong legs back again!
Think I'll re-play that positive thought and watch again - Thanks, underpants!

UPDATE: i learned on Friday that Aflac was humanely euthanized soon after arrival at the hospital due to severe unfixable injuries. The Wildlife Center has been very busy, offering care for over 6,000 of our wild critters this summer and without the assistance of many volunteers due to CoVid-19. I am so grateful that they took just a moment to tell me. RIP Aflac!