RSPCA staff are trying to reunite a duck with its owner after a Christchurch resident discovered it in their garden.
Gemma Gumbleton, a collection officer for the rescue centre in Ashley Heath, was called to Tidemill Close to collect the Muscovy duck after it was spotted wandering around the area for several days, eventually turning up in a resident’s garden.
Gemma’s friend, Zoe James, who has experience of ducks, said it was a domestic duck.
She said: “It’s not wild. They can fly quite well if they are not clipped properly and, if they get the chance, they will take off during breeding season searching for mates. They are sometimes seen perched on people’s houses.
“This one is very health and in good condition. It has a black mask, which is very special for a Muscovy duck, so it’s certainly someone’s prized possession.”
Muscovy ducks are a large species of duck native to Mexico and South America. The males can weigh up to 7kg (15lb) and are typically 76cm (30in) long.
Zoe added a lot of people kept Muscovy ducks as pets, usually in a group of two or three.
Contact Ashley Heath RSPCA at 0300 123 0749.
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