After Storm Babet unleashed chaos on the town (flooding parks, gardens, and fields) an unexpected crisis surfaced: dozens of ornamental fish were stranded in puddles across the local park and nearby fields. These poor goldfish, koi, and common carp had nowhere to go as the floodwaters receded, leaving them trapped and vulnerable.
Inspired by a concerned Facebook post, the rescuer jumped into action. Armed with nets, buckets, and determination, they scoured ditches, puddles, and muddy grass patches near a skate park and football pitch, carefully scooping up fish before the water dried up completely. Some fish were big and beautiful, like shimmering Shumkin goldfish, while others were tiny, injured, or battling parasites and leeches from their ordeal.
The rescue wasn’t easy – fish hid in thick grass, beneath leaves, and even near rabbit holes. At one point, the rescuer lost sight of a big goldfish but managed to track and catch it again, proving persistence pays off. Along the way, they teamed up with another local who brought better equipment, making the mission even more effective.
Most of the fish rescued were ornamental species unfamiliar with flood conditions, unlike native fish who know how to escape. Sadly, many others likely didn’t survive, with park workers already finding dead goldfish in flower beds.
After hours of searching and careful handling, the rescued fish were safely relocated to a nearby pond, giving them a second chance to thrive. The rescuer plans to continue searching flooded fields in the coming weeks and encourages the community to stay vigilant.
If you love heartwarming rescue stories and want to help spread the word about protecting local wildlife after storms, share this with your friends! Every little bit helps these vulnerable creatures find their way home. 🐟🌧️💪
