Alicia takes to life back in the wild… like a duck to water

Tony Bennett avbout to release the now fully recovered female Mallard duck at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Ref exe 32 19TI 0057. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alicia, a mallard duck, was so ill she was unable to be in the water without sinking.

She was rescued by Tony Bennett, founder of Wild Woodbury, and nursed her back to health.

Confident Alicia was ready to survive alone, Mr Bennett and his Jack Russell, Poppy, released her into Bicton Botanical Gardens on Thursday, August 9.

The wildlife group founder said he and Poppy had both grown attached to the duck and were sad to see her go.

A fully recovered female Mallard duck at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Ref exe 32 19TI 0065. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Mr Bennett said: 'With any wildlife rescue, you can tell that they are recovering because they get really feisty. I can tell that Alicia is ready to go back into the wild.

"If anyone finds injured wild life, please act quickly. At this time of year animals get dehydrated, so putting out water is even more important than food.

"Wild Woodbury very much appreciated the generous donation given by Bicton Botanical Gardens."

Tony Bennett releases the now fully recovered female Mallard duck at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Ref exe 32 19TI 0062. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

A fully recovered female Mallard duck at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is greeted by her team. Ref exe 32 19TI 0053. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)