PETA Awards Firefighters for Saving Ducklings

Nine after being stuck in a storm drain earlier this month by local firefighters near Tyrone Square Mall. 

Today, the animal rights organization, PETA, said it will be awarding St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue for its effort to save the duckings.  

According to a PETA news release:

"It took three members of the team to lift the grates before one of the rescuers jumped down into the storm drain and carefully lifted each of the baby birds to safety. Then, they stood guard as the mother—who had been frantically pacing back and forth and seemingly calling for help—got her ducklings in a row before leading them into some nearby brush. For their heroic efforts, the members of the St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue will receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA."

"The compassion and heroism shown by the members of the St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue team should serve as an inspiration to others always to help animals in need—whether it's reporting an animal in distress to local authorities, asking a neighbor to let a chained dog indoors, or taking a homeless cat to an animal shelter," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman in a news release. "St. Petersburg is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect both human residents and wildlife who call the city home."

According to PETA, St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue will receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, a box of vegan chocolates, and animal oxygen masks.