Loading....
x
Five ducks were taken to Edmonton yesterday, the lone survivors from a flock of an estimated 500 ducks that landed on the Aurora mine tailing pond. Rehabilitation workers said the fowl aren’t out of danger yet.
Five ducks from a flock of 500 that landed on a toxic pond near Fort MacMurray have been recovered and were transported by Syncrude by jet to Edmonton yesterday morning for rehabilitation.
Though a handful of ducks were recovered from Syncrude’s Aurora mine tailing pond, Alberta Environment spokeswoman Cheryl Robb said that 99 per cent were too heavily saturated to stay afloat, sank to the bottom, and died.
Three of the recovered ducks, two mallards and a bufflehead, are at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton for treatment, and while 70 per cent of the toxic residue has been removed, they’re not out of danger.
“They’re still probably about 30 per cent oiled and need more washing,” said the group’s founder, Kim Blomme. “It’s too soon to tell if they’ll make a full recovery though.”
Blomme said that stabilizing the ducks is the most crucial part of rehabilitation, as washing off the oil is a highly stressful process.
Syncrude spokesman Alain Moore said site workers noticed the large flock had landed on the pond Monday morning, though officials did not notify Alberta Fish and Wildlife of the incident until that afternoon.
Reports from the province indicate that the first word on the incident came from an anonymous tipster, not from Syncrude.
The provincial government is investigating.
Though a handful of ducks were recovered from Syncrude’s Aurora mine tailing pond, Alberta Environment spokeswoman Cheryl Robb said that 99 per cent were too heavily saturated to stay afloat, sank to the bottom, and died.
Three of the recovered ducks, two mallards and a bufflehead, are at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton for treatment, and while 70 per cent of the toxic residue has been removed, they’re not out of danger.
“They’re still probably about 30 per cent oiled and need more washing,” said the group’s founder, Kim Blomme. “It’s too soon to tell if they’ll make a full recovery though.”
Blomme said that stabilizing the ducks is the most crucial part of rehabilitation, as washing off the oil is a highly stressful process.
Syncrude spokesman Alain Moore said site workers noticed the large flock had landed on the pond Monday morning, though officials did not notify Alberta Fish and Wildlife of the incident until that afternoon.
Reports from the province indicate that the first word on the incident came from an anonymous tipster, not from Syncrude.
The provincial government is investigating.
more local stories
Site created to help child abuse victims testify in court
A new government-funded website designed to help prepare abused children to testify in court was launched by the province yesterday.
Baring all for Mission
It wasn’t until her seventh decade of life that Joyce Young decided to pose for topless pictures.
Schools suggest tuition cap lift
The current post-secondary tuition cap could be lifted if schools propose necessary tuition hikes.
Questions swirl around YouTube video
Calgary Transit peace officers may have been “set up” after a video of an incident involving an altercation was posted to You Tube, according to an official.
Bus driver charged
A Calgary school bus driver has been charged with traffic offences including driving carelessly after a collision last week that sent 36 children to hospital with minor injuries.
editor's picks
Nearly a third of the members of Parliament are on Twitter bandwagon
OTTAWA - Members of Parliament are scrambling to climb aboard the Twitter bandwagon - and getting elbowed by controversial, satirical and even phoney postings.
U.S. volunteers strive to save Santa letter service after Postal Service puts it on ice
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A group of volunteer Santa Claus "elves" in Alaska's frigid interior is determined to save a popular holiday letter service featuring the North Pole's most beloved icon.
Egypt, Algeria in a growing diplomatic row caused by their bitter soccer rivalry
CAIRO, Egypt - Egypt on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Algeria for consultations as part of a growing diplomatic row caused by a bitter soccer rivalry between the two Arab nations that has sparked violence among fans.
EU heads into new era with unknowns named to new president, foreign policy jobs
BRUSSELS - The EU says it has solved an old problem for Washington.
Finance minister proposes code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies
OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is proposing a voluntary code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies that he says will "level the playing field" for consumers and small businesses alike.
Copyright 2001-2009, Free Daily News Group Inc.