Ducklings left 'orphaned' by hit-and-run driver

A wildlife hospital in Leicestershire is appealing for drivers to take care after a mother duck was killed by a car.

Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital said a group of 10 ducklings was admitted to its site at Kibworth Harcourt on 10 April who "were left orphaned when their mum was tragically hit by a car whilst trying to get them over the road".

The driver who hit the mother failed to stop, the hospital said, but the car behind them pulled over to help look after the young birds.

"If there were no other witnesses to this incident, it could easily have cost the lives of 11 rather than one," the hospital said.

The 10 ducklings "are all fit and healthy", and the hospital said it would look after them "until their flight feathers come through" and they can be released into the wild.

"If it is safe to do so, please stop if you hit wildlife when driving," the hospital warned.

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