First responders save ducklings, kittens in Federal Way

Federal Way Animal Control officer, South King Fire crews helped save several furry friends in April.

By Olivia Sullivan • April 28, 2022 6:30 am

Ducklings, and kittens, and first responders, oh my.

This month, South King Fire and Rescue crews and law enforcement partner agencies helped save several furry friends.

On April 26, a mother duck was hit by a car near South 340th Street and Hoyt Road in Federal Way, leaving the ducklings abandoned.

Local residents attempted to round up the ducklings, and later dropped off the ducklings to Station 63. Fire crews notified animal control, after providing the ducklings with a cozy box to stay safe.

Federal Way Animal Services Officer Larson was called to the station, according to the police department. She was able to release the ducklings to an adoptive duck mother and “they waddled happily away.”

Larson also helped rescue several ducklings trapped in a storm drain on April 26, according to the department.

The Federal Way Police Department encourages residents to keep an eye out and slow down especially near wetlands, ponds, or other roadways where ducks and geese frequently cross.

On April 7, community embers found five cats (three kittens and two adults) abandoned outside SKFR Station 65, according to a post by the fire department. While Station 65 is under construction and not staffed, the community members cared for the cats and brought them to Station 64 the next day.

The on-duty crew happened to major cat lovers, the department wrote. Within an hour, all five cats found their new homes and were adopted by fire crew members and a retired King County Medic One paramedic.

An adult cat adopted by one of the fire department members was able to nurse an unrelated litter of abandoned one-week-old kittens found in Yelm, according to SKFR. Kittens in the Yelm litter are now ready to find their forever homes by the end of next month.

“All-in-all, EIGHT abandoned cats now have been provided medical care and loving, bright futures thanks to the actions of our community members and SKFR personnel,” according to the department’s post. “We’re grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful community.”

For animals in need, South King Fire reminds people to contact Federal Way Animal Control services, Regional Animal Services of King County, or call the non-emergency line at 253-835-2121.