RSPCA teams up with fire service to save grebe trapped by flood defences

The RSPCA teamed up with the fire service to rescue a stricken grebe who had become trapped in a part of a disused canal which is blocked by a flood defence gate in Chester.

A member of the public realised the young bird was in trouble and contacted the animal welfare charity.

A small team of animal rescuers initially tried to catch the bird with nets but the grebe was constantly diving under the murky water and decided a new plan of action was needed with a helping hand from a raft and the fire and rescue service.

RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cragg said: “We managed to corner the young bird with a number of nets and a colleague was able to catch the grebe with his net from the raft. There were cheers of joy and relief all round!

“After checking the grebe over I found him to be in very good condition so we released him onto the groves on the river Dee in Chester. 

“After stopping filming the release we actually saw the bird fly off which was really lovely to see that it was healthy and strong enough to.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the fire and rescue teams for their assistance. We’re always incredibly grateful for any help we receive from them.”

Anyone who is concerned for the welfare of an animal or who sees an animal in distress, like this grebe, should call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

The RSPCA responds to more than one million calls every year and rescues more than 100,000 animals in need. To help the charity rescue more animals like these, please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give