Ducklings
Willowbrook receives over 500 baby mallards each year. These mallard ducklings were orphaned when their mother was killed by a car. They are housed with a stuffed animal resembling an adult mallard. They climb on the stuffed animal, cuddle next to it, and run to it when they are scared. They also have a mirror so that they can see other babies of their own species for a feeling of extra security.
At approximately 2 weeks old they will be moved to outdoor caging where they will have access to large swimming pools, grass, and natural sunlight.
Mallards are independent of their mothers at 2 months old. All ducklings raised at Willowbrook are leg banded with Fish and Wildlife Service bands before release so that in the event of someone finding the duck at a later time, Willowbrook can receive the information and track how far they traveled and how long they lived.
|
|
|
Other Nature Centers