When Officer Isaac Ankrom responded to a call for assistance from Virginia Beach, little did he know that it would result in him being dubbed the “Duck Whisperer” by appreciative citizens. On Sunday, rescued from a storm sewer of all places, the ducklings had fallen over a water-retention wall into a grate with bars meant to keep debris out. Till Officer Ankrom 's quick thinking and selfless act the obstacles were proving to be too tough for the bystanders, who had tried to coax them out with a stick and a bucket previous to the officer's arrival.
Residents of Virginia Beach were delighted to be greeted by the cheerful chirps of birds during their peaceful Sunday strolls, adding a pleasant touch to an otherwise tranquil day.
Officer Ankrom: The Duck Whisperer
Officer Isaac Ankrom, dubbed the “Duck Whisperer” by grateful citizens, was able to successfully save a pair of ducklings from a storm drain. After they had fallen over a water-retention wall, the ducklings were chittering in distress from the 12-foot-deep access grate. Despite some bystanders trying to coax them out with a stick and bucket, it wasn't until Officer Ankrom's intervention that the animals were saved. His quick thinking and selfless act left the community feeling proud and thankful.
With a flashlight and his trusty pair of muck boots, he climbed down the 12-foot-deep access grate. He removed his vest and belt to crawl through the bars that were meant to keep debris out, and realized that some of the debris had broken apart, creating a current too strong for the ducklings. Expertly, Ankrom carefully returned the ducklings back to safety.
Determined and undeterred, he made his way through the dank tunnel, dodging spiders and other bugs, for about 45 yards until he came to a four-way intersection. Not missing a beat, Ankrom used his keen senses to locate the ducklings, and was able to successfully change his strategy to guide them to safety.
With his outdoorsy background, he put his knowledge to use by shining a flashlight on the water, waving it as a way of directing the ducklings' attention. It worked! His efforts were rewarded when the ducklings saw the light and used its reference point to fight their way upstream and out of the tunnel.
Officer Ankrom was able to get them into the bucket, and then provide them to a woman from Tidewater Rehabilitation & Environmental Education. With no adult ducks in the area recognizing them, Officer Ankrom's determination and resourcefulness allowed the ducklings to be safely rescued.
Officer Ankrom: The Duck Whisperer
Public Works was notified about a dangerous opening in the storm drain access point, which had occurred due to the cover falling into the tunnel. Officer Ankrom was able to resolve the issue and earned himself the affectionate title of "Duck Whisperer" on social media for his heroics. His ability to handle such adventures with confidence is a testament to his dedication to service.
Officer Ankrom has been involved in this type of rescue before, as he had rescued a duckling from a much larger spillway in Pennsylvania seven years ago. The mother duck was waiting at the top, and Officer Ankrom was able to reunite them. When asked if he would be interested in keeping the ducks as pets, his answer was no, but his wife might have a different opinion. Officer Ankrom is looking forward to the day when he can see the ducks released back into their natural habitat.
Officer Ankrom is proud to have been involved in the successful rescue of a duckling from a spillway. His experience seven years ago rescuing a duckling in Pennsylvania was an unforgettable one, and he was thrilled to reunite the duckling and its mother at the top of the spillway. While Officer Ankrom declined the offer to keep the ducks as pets, his wife could have a different opinion. He is looking forward to the day when the ducks can be released back into their natural habitat and thrive.
Officer Ankrom's quick thinking and brave actions allowed two innocent ducklings to carry on with their lives. His unwavering commitment to public service left the Virginia Beach citizens with a greater appreciation for their local heroes. Despite the daunting task surrounding their rescue, at the end of it all strangers united in celebration, both cheering Officer Ankrom's heroic deed as well as examples of hope found among untold tragedy. His selfless contribution will no doubt be remembered and honoring far into the future!
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