Ten baby wood ducklings were rescued and reunited with their mother after falling into a sewer drain in Ypsilanti around 9 a.m. Wednesday.
An employee from the Humane Society of Huron Valley,left, and Ypsilanti firefighter Rodney Schroeder, right, along with restaurant staff from Luca's Coney Island, rescued 10 baby ducklings Wednesday.
Courtesy Ypsilanti Fire Department
The ducklings fell into a sewer drain behind the Luca's Coney Island at 309 E. Michigan Ave. and the $3.50 Soft Cloth Car Wash at 317 E. Michigan Ave..
Eight of the ducklings were rescued by Luca's staff and two were rescued by Ypsilanti Firefighter Rodney Schroeder, who said the owner of the restaurant called the fire department and the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
"We got on the scene and they had eight of them already boxed," Schroeder said. "The mother was flying around the area and there were two that were still loose. We were there for about 30 minutes trying to get those two out and we finally got them out and took them over by the railroad tracks and some rocks."
Schroeder said a representative from the HSHV arrived on the scene and advised him to just release the ducklings, saying the mother would fly down to them.
Schroeder said rescues like this happen at least once a year for the department. Schroeder said his wife once did animal rehabbing, so he's well-versed in how to rescue and care for animals potentially in danger.
"I enjoy doing it," Schroeder said. "It's fun. No one wants to see them ( animals) get hurt. It's a good feeling to be able to help animals and people out."
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.