Happy ending: rehabilitated ducklings and muskrat released into wild

Eleven teal ducklings and a muskrat were released back into the wild today at the Glory Hills Conservation Lands, west of Edmonton.

The animals, which had all been nursed to health by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton, were released at the lake’s edge as part of a new partnership with the Edmonton and Area Land Trust.

Together, the two organizations aim to jointly care for and sustain Alberta’s natural lands and wildlife.

“It’s a natural connection to work together,” said outreach coordinator Stephanie Weizenbach, who helped organize the event.

“The EALT conserves important natural areas like the Glory Hills property we’re at today. It provides very important wildlife habitat and linkages over the landscape.”

Weizenbach was part of the team that worked to rehabilitate the animals released Friday. She said many animals under the WRSE’s care are either orphaned or injured -- many as a result of human activity.

Now, Weizenbach and her team hope to continue their joint work in order to connect Edmontonians with the nature around them.

“We’re working together to protect and conserve our wildlife and wild homes.”