Humane society looking for new home for duck duo

Timber and Birch, a pair of ducks rescued in Guelph, stand together in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Guelph Humane Society on Facebook)

The Guelph Humane Society is hoping to find a home for an unusual pair that were recently rescued from an icy pond.

In a social media post, the humane society said they received a call about domestic ducks at a park pond in early December.

Two animal service officers were able to coax to ducks to shore with food and duck noises, but the two were too nervous to come closer.

The humane society then called in the Guelph Fire Department for some backup, but as soon as the firefighters got into the water and began breaking up the ice, the ducks became frightened and headed in the opposite direction.

Two members of the Guelph Humane Society stand on the shore of a pond as they prepare to try to rescue a pair of ducks. (Courtesy: Guelph Humane Society on Facebook)

“For days, our animal services team went daily to check on the ducks and attempt to confine them, knowing that they would not survive the cold, harsh winter without care. After almost a week of trying to secure the ducks, Officers Brooke and Shannon were finally successful. These sweet, timid ducks were transported safely back to GHS and set up with appropriate supplies and feed, so grateful for a warm, safe place to rest and recover,” the humane society’s post read.

The ducks, now known as Timber and Birch, are looking for their forever farm and a family with duck experience.

In an email, the humane society said there was no evidence of “fowl play,” but because they are domesticated ducks that cannot fly, it would have been difficult for them to get to the pond without human intervention.