Two lock-keepers have become surrogate parents to an orphaned mallard at Teddington Lock on the River Thames.
Two lock-keepers have become surrogate parents to an orphaned mallard at Teddington Lock on the River Thames.
Howard Miatt and Danny Ringham noticed the day-old duckling stranded in the lock and opened the sluices so they could fish the ailing creature out.
They christened the duckling Davina.
Over the past three weeks, the caring duo have been looking after Davina as their own, keeping her warm, fed and comfortable.
On the first day of her release Davina ventured further towards London, but that evening returned to the safety of home, “rattling her food bowl and demanding attention”.
Danny said: “We aren’t sure how Davina came to be alone in the lock, but it is not uncommon for mallards to misplace a few offspring on their travels.
“We were fortunate in that we had a good idea of how to care for her, but would urge anyone without such experience to contact the RSBP should they spot a similar situation.”
