In a heartwarming display of duty, Western Australian Police officers transformed into unlikely wildlife rescuers on Thursday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill on a major Perth freeway to save a family of ducks.
Highway Halt for a Feathered Family
The unusual incident unfolded on the northbound lanes of the Tonkin Highway near Morley Drive. A mother duck and her eight ducklings found themselves in a perilous situation, attempting to cross the busy multi-lane road during the morning commute.
A police patrol car, fortuitously on the scene, immediately took action to ensure the safety of the vulnerable birds. Officers blocked three lanes of traffic, creating a safe corridor for the waddling family. Footage shared by Main Roads WA shows an officer even exiting the vehicle to shepherd the ducks away from the freeway and into the safety of nearby bushland.
Community Applauds 'Quack-ly' Action
The police's swift and compassionate response was met with widespread praise from the Perth community. Main Roads WA lauded the efforts in a social media post, stating, "Now that’s impressive — even the ducks know to follow the direction of our WA Police."
A WA Police spokesman humorously noted it wasn't the officers' "usual crowd." He added, "While patrolling today, officers spotted a mother duck and her ducklings trying to cross the busy lanes of Tonkin Highway. They acted quack-ly to help keep traffic moving and ensure everyone stayed safe."
Locals quickly took to social media to express their delight, with one person commenting, "Now that warms the heart, well done WAPOL," and another praising the "great quack/crack from the WA police."
A Timely Reminder During Duckling Season
This feathery rescue comes amid duckling season in Western Australia, which runs between June and November. Such encounters are not isolated; in October, another duck family caused a six-car collision on Canning Highway.
A Main Roads WA spokesperson issued a reminder to motorists: "If you see ducks, ducklings, or wildlife in general causing a safety hazard while attempting to cross the freeway or other major roads, slow down, stay in your car and call Main Roads on 138 138 for assistance."
