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  • FRNSW rescued three ducklings from a drain in Goonellabah's Northern Rivers area.
  • Firefighters ensured the drain was safe before retrieving the ducklings for rehabilitation.
  • Wildlife experts reunited the ducklings with their mother; all animals received a health check.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have rescued three ducklings that fell into a drain at Goonellabah, in the state's Northern Rivers.

A postman was traveling on Rouse Road, near Pleasant Street, around 8 am, when he noticed the mother duck standing on the roadway. He then saw one car 'clip' the hen's leg, while the driver was swerving to avoid it.

FRNSW firefighters

FRNSW firefighters arrived on-scene to assist with accessing and removing the three ducklings from the drain

The 'postie' safely pulled his motorbike to the side of the road before directing other traffic away from the mother duck. He then realized she was peering into the drain, where her brood was stuck.

FRNSW firefighters arrived on-scene to assist with accessing and removing the three ducklings from the drain.

The crew, which specializes in hazardous materials response, conducted gas monitoring inside the drain to confirm it was safe to enter the confined space.

Rehabilitation experts

Once the all-clear was given, a firefighter 'ducked down', scooped the ducklings into a bucket, and exited the drain with the precious cargo in tow. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation experts from WIRES were notified of the incident and attended the scene.

They were present as firefighters reunited the mother duck with her brood in a nearby park. All the animals were given a clean 'bill' of health.

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