THE RSPCA’s animal rescue centre at Godshill is currently providing care to around 30 ducklings — including some jailbirds!

The rescues, aged between two and five weeks old, have all been taken to the centre from various locations across the Island — including the prison.

In each case, the ducklings had become separated from their mothers.

One group was rescued from the grounds of HMP Isle of Wight, where they were being harassed by crows.

The young birds are currently being cared for at the Bohemia Corner rescue centre.

They are being fed and kept warm in shelters and when old enough they will graduate to the centre’s outdoor facilities and ponds.

As soon as they get their flight feathers and are able to fend for themselves, at around nine weeks old, they will be released at safe locations.

Suzanne Pugh, RSPCA IW branch manager, said while it was common for the centre to receive ducklings at this time of year, it was rare to see so many arrive all at once.

“There doesn’t seem to be any single reason behind the high number but it is certainly unusual to have this many and it is most definitely keeping us busy.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in helping to give these ducklings a second chance.

“We would also like to thank those who support us here at the centre with donations — without this help we simply would not be able to provide the wildlife rescue services that we do.”

Donate at rspca.org.uk/local/isle-of-wight-branch