Firefighters responded to a “heart-warming” call for help this week to reunite a “devoted” duck with her ducklings in St Brelade.
Three of the ducklings had become trapped in a drain while a further four had “somehow” ended up in a nearby swimming pool, the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said.
After arriving promptly on the scene armed with “nets, gentle hands and a solid sense of teamwork” following a call from the JSPCA, the fire service carefully coaxed out the tiny trio – who have now been “affectionately” named Ben, Jerry and Rolo – who were “cold but otherwise unharmed”.
“But the adventure didn’t stop there,” the fire service said.
“A further four ducklings had somehow ended up in a nearby swimming pool.
“Once again, nets came to the rescue, and the team successfully gathered the remaining siblings, bringing the total family headcount to seven.”
In a statement, the fire service added: “All the while, their watchful and clearly concerned mother remained close by, keeping her distance but never leaving her little ones, refusing to be rescued first.”
Mother duck was also given a name back at the station: Joyce.
Watch commander Richard Ryan said: “This was one of those jobs that reminds us why we love what we do.
“It might not have been flames or ladders today – but it was no less important.
“We’re just happy to help, whatever the call may be.”