DRALLAM the abandoned duckling is looking forward to a long and happy life thanks to its foster humans.
The duckling was abandoned in a garden in Tavistock after its mother was frightened.
Bob Zho and partner Chris took it under their wing, feeding it every few hours assisted by daughters Hannah and Ellen.
'At one stage it refused to eat, so Bob put some food in his mouth and it happily fed from there,' said Chris.
The duckling was newly-hatched when found but is now virtually full-grown.
Having communicated only by whistling in reply to its carers, it has now started to quack for the first time.
Drallam often goes on walks with its human carers, together with tabby kitten Willow — whom it has played with since very young — and also has a rabbit, guinea pig and older cat as friends. It even recognises Bob's car and whistles in welcome.
However, being originally a wild animal, the intention is to find it a half-way home where it can find its feet and wings and learn to live in the wild before it is finally released. 'We have no objections to it staying, but it is a wild duck,' said Chris.