A senior dog has stepped into the role of a devoted father to nine ducklings after their mother mysteriously disappeared.
Fred, a 10-year-old Labrador, took the orphaned ducklings under his care after their mother vanished on Thursday.
As the resident pet at Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted, Essex, Fred was quick to embrace his new role when a staff member discovered the lost siblings wandering near the castle’s battlements.
Concerned for the ducklings’ well-being, the castle staff were relieved when Fred instantly bonded with them, taking on the responsibility of babysitting.
Jeremy Goldsmith, director of Mountfitchet Castle and Fred’s owner, explained: “We knew the mother duck had been nesting, and then suddenly, these ducklings appeared—but she was nowhere to be seen. We suspect a fox may have been responsible.”
Fred has since become the ducklings’ protector, offering them warmth and companionship.
Adorable photos capture the Labrador lying on the castle grounds, surrounded by his adopted ducklings, who have refused to leave his side. Some images even show the ducklings perched on his back, a testament to their trust and affection for their new guardian.
A staff member at Mountfitchet Castle shared: “They are getting very mischievous, hitching rides on Fred’s back and even following him into the water for a swim in the castle moat.”
The castle’s spokeswoman added: “We were deeply concerned about the ducklings, but Fred immediately took them under his wing and has been their dedicated babysitter ever since.”
At night, the ducklings sleep nestled beside Fred in his basket, further solidifying their bond. Since taking them in, Fred has become their constant companion, proving his gentle and nurturing nature.
Fred’s incredible act of kindness has touched hearts, turning him into a stay-at-home dad for these nine orphaned ducklings.
Mountfitchet Castle, a Norman Motte and Bailey castle constructed from wood, has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. The site has served as a Roman signal fort, a Saxon and Viking settlement, and was later attacked in 1066 by William the Conqueror.
Now, it is home to a truly heartwarming tale of unexpected family and unconditional love.
