Pair of ducklings 'terrified of water' rescued from Derby park's lake

The pair are now living with a flock of mallards

Two ducklings were left at risk of death after they were dumped in a lake, say rescuers.

The baby ducks were spotted in a distressed state at Alvaston Park Lake in Derby by a passer-by on Monday.

They were rescued and taken Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary has now said the ducklings were in more danger by the lake than many might expect, as they had no waterproof feathers and would have been easy pickings for predators.

'Terrified of water'

Lindsay Newell, who founded the sanctuary, added both ducklings are now living with their resident mallards and will be rehomed once they get older.

She said: "These poor babies were roaming, completely confused and having no idea what to do.

"They were terrified of the water and following people about."

They were 'confused' when rescuers arrived

The ducklings are believed to be from the Cherry Valley and Runner breeds, which are not native to the UK.

The sanctuary said releasing them into UK lakes is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act.

The sanctuary says there is a spike in cases of abandoned ducks following Easter each year.

It also rescued five adult ducks wandering on a street in Riddings near Alfreton the same evening.

The sanctuary has urged anyone who is thinking about adopting a duck as a pet to do thorough research first.