By Sara Faiwell
Chicago Daily Herald
Copyright 2006 Paddock Publications, Inc.
Mike Travers wasn’t expecting to perform a rescue operation Monday afternoon.
But opportunity knocked, in the form of a duck call.
As long ago as last week, Harper College employees saw the duck floating around the college pond, struggling to free her beak from a plastic ring discarded from a sports drink.
Some would-be rescuers, including public safety workers, tried to reach her by boat but failed. Students gathered at the shore, anxiously watching the attempt.
On Monday, she was still there. Travers spotted her and had an idea.
“I immediately went to the shop, grabbed a net and went to catch the thing,” said the 26-year-old roads and grounds employee.
“You knew the thing was probably having trouble eating and drinking.”
The duck’s rescuer wasn’t just anybody: Travers, of Barrington, is a certified EMT and is now trying to find a job in that field.
“I guess this was my first official rescue,” he said. “The duck definitely seemed relieved.”
And perhaps it had a little extra pep after the ordeal.
“It’s kind of funny, but it seemed very people-friendly the rest of the day,” said Travers. “It was seen walking on the sidewalk with people.”
The incident should be a reminder to people not to toss those plastic rings on the ground, because they can hurt wildlife, says Harper spokeswoman Deanna White.