Marsa’s Ducks in Distress: Council Appeals for Help

Picture this: the usually serene Marsamxett Harbour, with its gentle lapping waves and rustic fishing boats, now hosts an unusual sight. A group of ducks, once thriving, now reduced to a mere fraction, waddle along the shore, their numbers dwindling. This isn’t a scene from a wildlife documentary, but a reality that’s been unfolding in Marsa, Malta’s third-largest town.

The Decline of Marsa’s Feathered Friends

Marsa Council has raised the alarm, appealing to the public for help in rehoming the remaining ducks after several have died. The once vibrant duck population, a familiar sight at the Marsa Sports Club and the nearby yacht marina, has been declining steadily. The council attributes this to a lack of food and clean water, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to fewer visitors and less food scraps for the birds.

“We’ve seen a significant drop in their numbers,” says Marsa Council’s Environment Officer, Joseph Xuereb. “It’s a sad sight to see these beautiful creatures struggling. We’re appealing to the public to help us find a solution.”

A Community Effort

Marsa Council isn’t leaving the ducks’ fate to chance. They’ve been actively seeking solutions, even reaching out to local animal welfare organizations. They’ve also been encouraging residents and visitors to provide food and clean water for the ducks, ensuring their survival until a permanent solution can be found.

“We’re not just asking for help, we’re also asking for understanding,” Xuereb adds. “These ducks are a part of Marsa’s ecosystem and our community. We can’t just stand by and watch them disappear.”

Local residents have been stepping up, with many taking to social media to share updates and photos of the ducks. Some have even started a ‘Duck Watch’ group, monitoring the birds’ condition and providing them with food and water.

A Future for Marsa’s Ducks

Marsa Council is now exploring options for the ducks’ long-term future. This includes potential rehoming to a sanctuary or a wildlife reserve, where they can thrive in a safe and sustainable environment. They’re also looking into creating a dedicated feeding and care program, ensuring the ducks’ survival even in the absence of human visitors.

“We’re determined to find a solution that’s best for the ducks,” Xuereb says. “We’re asking for the public’s patience and support as we work through this. Together, we can ensure that Marsa’s ducks have a future.”

If you’d like to help Marsa’s ducks, you can contact Marsa Council or join the ‘Duck Watch’ group on Facebook. Every bit of help, from providing food and water to sharing updates, can make a difference.