Sink or swim: Two ducklings are rescued after being abandoned by their mother when they were just a few days old

By JILL REILLY

Safe in time for Easter: The Mallard pair - nicknamed Peter and Paul by carers - were found paddling in a stream in Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset, this week without their mother

When these two little ducklings were abandoned by their mother, their chances of survival were slim.
But now they are enjoying splashing in a basin, after two animal lovers rescued them just in time for Easter.
The Mallard pair - nicknamed Peter and Paul by carers - were found paddling alone in a stream in Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset, this week without their mother.

Water fun: Now they are enjoying splashing in a basin, after two animal lovers rescued them just in time for Easter - the tiny ducklings were only a couple of days old on arrival

Happy days: Their new home is the Secret World Wildlife Rescue, in East Huntspill - once they are ready they will be released back into the wild

Luckily they were scooped up by two animal lovers and taken to Secret World Wildlife Rescue, in nearby East Huntspill.
Animal care manager Sara Cowan said the cute ducklings were only a couple of days old on arrival and were now snug and warm in an incubator.
She said: 'They will remain under close observation for a couple of weeks before being transferred to a cage and from there to the open where they will be raised until they are fully feathered.'
Peter and Paul are the first of hundreds of lost or abandoned feathered friends expected to arrive at the centre during this breeding season.

Lucky ducks: Animal care manager Sara Cowan said 'They will remain under close observation for a couple of weeks before being transferred to a cage and from there to the open where they will be raised until they are fully feathered'


More to come: Peter and Paul are the first of hundreds of lost or abandoned feathered friends expected to arrive at the centre during this breeding season

After being cared for, they will be released back into the wild.
Secret World staff are busy preparing for their four day Easter Open Weekend to raise cash for their £4.4 million Call of the Wild Appeal.
The project, launched by famous Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett, aims to build a new wildlife teaching hospital and education centre.

source: dailymail