Library of Congress Staffers, Capitol Police Nab Award for Duckling Rescue

PETA Recognizes Capitol Hill Workers for Removing Duck Family From Dangerous Balcony

For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2017

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award and a Compassionate Police Department Award are on their way from PETA to, respectively, Library of Congress staff members and officers of the U.S. Capitol Police Library Division, who rescued a family of ducks discovered nesting on a sixth-floor balcony of the Library of Congress.

Because there was no source of water on the balcony—and the ducklings were in danger of falling to their deaths—Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden and other staffers assisted police in corralling the mother duck and her ducklings into boxes. They were relocated to the Capitol Reflecting Pool, where the Architect of the Capitol built a ramp for the ducklings. After the mother duck was frightened away by other birds, the ducklings were taken to City Wildlife Inc. for care until they’re old enough to be released.

“By taking the time to find a safe place for this family of little ducklings, staffers and U.S. Capitol Police at the Library of Congress set a beautiful example of compassion in the heart of our nation’s capital,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes people across the country will remember this kindness and consideration for wildlife the next time they spot an animal in trouble.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping wildlife on its website.

Library of Congress staff members and the U.S. Capitol Police Library Division will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.