Marsa Council Appeals for Duck Rehoming After Deaths
Quacking Concern: Marsa Council’s Urgent Appeal to Rehome Ducks
Imagine strolling along the picturesque Marsa Sportsground, the sun casting a golden glow over the lush greenery, only to find the usually bustling pond eerily quiet, its feathered inhabitants noticeably absent. This is the stark reality Marsa council officials are facing, with a sharp decline in the local duck population, prompting an urgent appeal for rehoming.
From Paradise to Peril: The Ducks’ Dilemma
Marsa, a town known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has long been home to a thriving duck population. The Sportsground’s pond, a popular spot for both locals and tourists, has been their sanctuary. However, recent events have turned this idyllic scene into a cause for concern. Several ducks have been found dead, their numbers dwindling at an alarming rate.
According to Marsa Council’s Environmental Officer, Dr. Joseph Azzopardi, the cause of death is yet to be determined. “We’ve taken samples and sent them for testing,” he says, “but until we get the results, we can’t pinpoint the exact reason behind this sudden decline.”
An Appeal for Help: Rehoming the Remaining Ducks
In light of these developments, Marsa Council has launched an appeal to the public. They’re urging anyone with a suitable pond or water feature on their property to consider rehoming some of the remaining ducks. “We’re not asking for much,” says Mayor of Marsa, Dr. Mario Spiteri, “just a safe space where they can live peacefully until we’ve addressed the issue at the Sportsground.”
But why not relocate them all to another public pond? Dr. Azzopardi explains, “While that’s an option, it’s not ideal. Ducks are territorial, and introducing a new group into an established one can lead to aggression and more deaths. Plus, we want to keep them in Marsa, where they’re part of our local ecosystem.”
Taking Action: What You Can Do
If you have a suitable space and are willing to help, Marsa Council has set up a hotline (2166 0123) and an email address (ducks@marsa.gov.mt) for inquiries. They’ll provide guidance on how to safely and humanely relocate the ducks.
This isn’t just about saving a few ducks, Dr. Spiteri emphasizes. “It’s about preserving our local biodiversity, our ecosystem. It’s about Marsa, our community, and our responsibility towards it.”
