Marsa’s Duck Dilemma: Council Urges Rehoming

Imagine strolling along Marsa’s picturesque waterfront, the Mediterranean sun warming your face, only to see a heartbreaking sight: a lifeless duck floating in the water. This grim scene has become all too familiar for residents and visitors alike, prompting Marsa Local Council to issue an urgent appeal for the rehoming of the city’s growing duck population.

Marsa, once a bustling shipyard and now a thriving urban centre, has seen an alarming increase in duck deaths in recent months. Council officials report that at least a dozen ducks have perished since the start of the year, with many more injured or sick. The cause? A combination of human activity and environmental factors.

“We’re seeing a mix of issues here,” explains Dr. Joseph Xuereb, a local vet who has been treating injured ducks. “From motorboat accidents to pollution and lack of proper nutrition, our feathered friends are struggling.”

In response to this crisis, Marsa Local Council has launched an appeal for residents and organisations to take in ducks and provide them with a safe, nurturing environment. “We believe that rehoming is a viable solution to this problem,” says Council spokesperson, Maria Grech. “We’re asking anyone with a suitable space – a large garden, a farm, even a small pond – to consider giving these ducks a new home.”

But rehoming isn’t as simple as it sounds. Ducks require specific care, including a constant supply of fresh water, a balanced diet, and protection from predators. The council is offering guidance and support to those who step up to the challenge.

“We’re working with local vets and wildlife experts to provide advice and resources,” says Grech. “We want to ensure that any ducks rehomed are given the best possible care.”

Already, the call for help has sparked a wave of community support. Local schools, businesses, and even a nearby farm have offered to take in ducks. “It’s heartening to see our community come together like this,” says Xuereb. “Every duck rehomed is a life saved.”

But more help is needed. Marsa’s duck population is estimated to be in the hundreds, and with winter approaching, the need for safe havens becomes even more pressing.

As the council’s appeal gains traction, plans are also underway to address the root causes of the duck deaths. This includes campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of pollution and motorboat speeding, as well as initiatives to create more sustainable habitats for the ducks.

“We can’t just treat the symptoms,” says Grech. “We need to address the causes too. But for now, our priority is to get as many ducks rehomed as possible, before winter sets in.”

So, if you have space and a heart for our feathered friends, consider giving a duck in need a new home. Together, we can turn Marsa’s quacking concern into a quacking success story.