Duck deaths plague inner city park lake, no cause found yet

By JASMINE SIMMONS

Investigations are underway after a number of duck fatalities were reported in a park lake in Camperdown. Members of the public found large amount of the native bird species sick and dying at the inner-city Victoria Park Lake.  

City of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon reported over Facebook that Sydney Wildlife volunteers were first on the scene to assess the ducks and lake environment, an investigate the cause of the deaths. 

“They have recorded over 20 fatalities,” Cr Weldon said. 

“The City of Sydney is working with the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Zoo, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to determine the cause.”  

Routine water testing was conducted prior to the fatality reports and identified no risks in the lake water. Additional tests are currently taking place and will continue over the coming weeks.  

“It is really sad to see these beautiful creatures suffer. I hope that we can determine the cause and act swiftly,” said Cr Weldon.  

Specialists investigate cause

Waterbird specialist Kelly Murphy was immediately on the case and has kept the City of Sydney Council updated on the issue.  

Murphy suspects that exposure to toxins in water, soil and insects may have contributed to the cause of death for the ducks.   

“It seems that ducks are very susceptible to toxins that may be in the water or soil,” Murphy said.  

“There have also been reports of birds that feed on insects being impacted in turn, including magpies, ravens, and butcherbirds.” 

Head veterinarian at The Wild Vet in Glebe, Emma Hall, assisted the ducks and had one pacific black duck in critical care. Dr Hall has over 15 years experience tending to reptile and bird species.  

According to Sydney Wildlife Rescue, two ducks alongside the 20 found dead were euthanised due to their state of distress.  

Experts have advised locals in the area to keep animals and children away from the water until test results are determined.  

“This is also a timely reminder to help our native animals by keeping our parks and waterways free from litter and debris,” Sydney Wildlife Rescue said. 

Murphy also urges the public not to feed the ducks and to observe the behaviour of the wildlife.  

“Sometimes people give bread and this is dangerous for all birds, as they cannot digest it easily like us,” said Ms Murphy. 

“Spend some time observing the wildlife and watching their behaviour. The ducks should swim, feed by ‘dabbling’ with their beak in the water from side to side, usually whilst swimming.” 

Murphy has provided City Hub with an update that currently, there are 27 reported, rescued or confirmed deaths amongst the ducks at the lake. Most of the affected species are native pacific black ducks.  

Local vets in the area will continue to monitor the welfare of the ducks as further water testing is carried out.