COSTA MESA, Calif.—Following its four-week recovery after being shot in the neck, a mallard duck was released back into the wild April 28 at TeWinkle Park by the wildlife rehabbers that saved its life.
According to Newport Beach Police, the duck had been shot in the neck and cheek with a mini crossbow gun and had spent a day or two with the injury before being rescued in late March.
It was found March 26th at Kaiser Elementary School in Costa Mesa and taken to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach for care.
“[The shooting] was horrific,” executive director of the center Debbie McGuire told The Epoch Times. “It brings tears to your eyes and really pulls at your heartstrings. I hope whoever did this or knows who did it comes forward and owns up to their crime.”
According to Michelle Saldana, a veterinary technician who helped care for the drake, it was able to recover quickly due to its demeanor.
“Even in recovery, he was very calm. Very good eating habits the whole time,” Saldana told the crowd after the duck’s release at the park.
Newport Beach Animal Control Officer Nick Ott did the honors of releasing the newly healed mallard at the park, after which the duck quickly took to the water on its merry way.
“So long, little buddy,” one observer said as the bird swam off.
According to the wildlife center’s McGuire, it is a federal crime to hunt mallards in the area. Fines for injuring such wildlife is a minimum of $10,000, she said.
The suspect who shot the animal remains at large, according to the Newport Beach Police Department. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Officer Ott with tips at 949-644-3688, extension 2716.
