Baby ducklings saved from storm drain in New Jersey

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (WPVI) -- On most days, the requests Hamilton Township crews receive might seem routine or mundane.

But on Tuesday, municipal crews received a different kind of call for help.

It was a plea to help rescue nine ducklings that had fallen into a stormwater drain at the Hamilton Marketplace, a 1-million-square-foot retail shopping center.

Hamilton Township Animal Control Officer Marion Munford responded, calling Hamilton's Department of Water Pollution Control for assistance.

The crew was able to use a jet truck to flush water into the stowmwater drains, helping to direct the ducklings toward Munford, who was able to safely rescue eight of the ducklings. And on Wednesday, crews were able to rescue the final duckling from the same area.

Because a mother was not present, the ducklings were transported to the Mercer County Wildlife Center, which cares for injured and young wildlife.

"I am proud of the effort these employees demonstrated to rescue the ducklings and transport them to safety," Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede said.

No fowl play is suspected.