Marsa Ducks in Danger: Council Issues Urgent Appeal

Picture this: the tranquil Marsamxett Harbour, the sun dipping below the horizon, and a once-thriving colony of ducks now reduced to a mere fraction of its former self. This is not a scene from a nature documentary, but a reality playing out in our backyard, Marsa.

Marsa, a town known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has been home to a large population of ducks for decades. The harbour, with its calm waters and abundance of food, has been an ideal sanctuary for these birds. However, recent events have turned this idyllic scene into a cause for concern.

Over the past few months, the Marsa Local Council has noticed a significant decline in the duck population. What was once a lively colony has now dwindled to a handful of birds. The council has been investigating the cause of this decline and has come to a distressing conclusion: several ducks have died, and the remaining ones are in urgent need of rehoming.

The council’s investigation has revealed that the ducks have been falling victim to an unnatural cause – lead poisoning. The harbour, once a clean and safe haven, has been contaminated with lead particles, likely from old paint used on boats or from industrial waste. This toxic substance has been accumulating in the ducks’ systems, leading to their decline and eventual death.

Dr. Joseph Borg, a local veterinarian, has been assisting the council in their investigation. He explains, “Lead poisoning is a silent killer. The ducks ingest the lead particles, often mistaking them for food, and over time, it builds up in their systems, causing organ failure and death.”

The Marsa Local Council has issued an urgent appeal for the remaining ducks to be rehomed. They are calling on local bird sanctuaries, wildlife rescue organizations, and even private individuals to step in and provide a safe haven for these birds.

“We cannot stand by and watch these beautiful creatures suffer,” says Marsa Mayor, Dr. Joseph Vella. “We are doing everything in our power to clean up the harbour, but in the meantime, we need to ensure the safety of the remaining ducks.”

The council has set up a hotline for anyone interested in rehoming the ducks. They can be reached at 2166 0100. They have also provided a list of local organizations that can assist in the rehoming process, including the BirdLife Malta and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

This is not just a problem for Marsa; it’s a problem for all of us. Our wildlife is under threat, and it’s up to us to protect it. If you can provide a safe home for these ducks, please contact the Marsa Local Council. If you can’t, consider donating to local wildlife organizations or volunteering your time to help clean up our harbours and protect our wildlife.

As Dr. Borg puts it, “Every duck saved is a victory. Let’s not let this be a story of loss, but a story of hope and action.”