Marsa’s Ducks Need New Homes: Council Issues Urgent Appeal
Quacking Crisis: Marsa Council’s Plea for Ducks’ New Homes
Picture this: the serene waters of Marsa’s Grand Harbour, where once upon a time, ducks waddled and quacked, their numbers now dwindling. This isn’t a scene from a children’s storybook, but a reality that Marsa Council is grappling with. The local council has issued an unusual appeal, one that’s not for funds or volunteers, but for new homes for the remaining ducks.
From Flock to Few: The Decline
Marsa, Malta’s third largest town, was once home to a thriving duck population. The Grand Harbour, with its calm waters and abundance of greenery, provided an idyllic habitat. However, in recent years, the ducks have been facing challenges that have led to a significant decline in their numbers. Predators, pollution, and lack of food have all contributed to this worrying trend.
Councilor for Marsa, Joseph Vella, shared, “We’ve seen a steady decrease in the duck population over the years. We’ve had to intervene because the remaining ducks are struggling. We can’t stand by and watch them suffer.”
An Unusual Appeal: Rehoming the Remaining Ducks
In a bid to save the remaining ducks, Marsa Council has turned to the public for help. They’re appealing to residents and businesses to provide new homes for the ducks. But this isn’t a case of ‘take a duck, leave a duck’. The council is looking for suitable habitats that can provide a safe and sustainable environment for the ducks.
“We’re not just looking for anyone to take the ducks,” Vella explained. “We need people who understand the responsibility that comes with caring for these birds. They need a clean, safe environment with access to food and water.”
The council has also reached out to local schools and businesses, encouraging them to adopt a ‘duck-friendly’ policy. This could involve creating small ponds or ensuring that there’s always food and water available for the ducks.
: A Future for Marsa’s Ducks
This isn’t just a short-term solution. Marsa Council is looking at the bigger picture. They’re planning to implement measures to prevent such a crisis from happening again. This includes regular clean-ups of the Grand Harbour, predator control, and even creating new habitats for the ducks.
Vella is optimistic about the future. “We believe that with the public’s help, we can turn this situation around. We want Marsa to be known as a place where ducks can thrive, not just survive.”
So, if you’re a Marsa resident with a green thumb and a heart for ducks, now’s your chance to make a difference. Contact Marsa Council to find out how you can provide a new home for one of Marsa’s feathered friends.
