Lyndsay Winkley
The San Diego Union-Tribune
CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Chula Vista firefighters saved 13 ducklings from a storm drain during an undeniably adorable rescue Sunday afternoon.
People leaving a church service called police about 2:30 p.m. after hearing the baby birds chirping from the bottom of a storm drain near Showroom Place and Fenton Street. Fire officials suspect the ducklings may have fallen through holes in the grate covering the drain during a walk through the parking lot.
Firefighters used a net to lift the birds to the surface and then placed them in a carrying case. “Come on, little dude,” one firefighter said to a duckling during the rescue, according to video shot by OnScene TV.
Crews briefly located the mother duck and tried to capture her in an effort to relocate the entire family, but she flew away, said Chula Vista Battalion Chief Rich Brocchini. The ducklings were taken to a nearby animal shelter, but will soon be transferred to Project Wildlife where caregivers will raise the ducklings until they can survive on their own, he said.
An animal control officer said emergency crews in the city are called to save ducklings two to three times a year.
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