Animal sanctuary workers have finally rescued a duck three months after it miraculously survived being shot in the head with an arrow.
The duck was spotted with a steel-tipped arrow through its head and neck in the River Radbuza in the city of Pilsen, Czech Republic.
Animal rescuers from DESOP Plzen were determined to help the mallard despite its attempts to flee whenever the workers drew near.
Karel Makon, head of the animal sanctuary, told the Daily Mail they finally managed to rescue the duck this week using kayaks in the river.
He said: "On Monday we succeeded by taking advantage of the fact that the duck was molting, so he wouldn't be able to fly until new feathers grew.
"This time I was standing on the shore with a landing net on a long pole. Hanka and Radek distracted him in their kayaks."
Speaking about the moment the animal rescuers managed to catch the mallard, Mr Makon said: "I was on the shore above him, it was luck and I happened to see him.
"I quickly swung the landing net into the grass and managed to catch him. He didn't have a chance to escape."
They took the duck to a local vet where the arrow was removed and he has since been released back in the river.
Mr Makon believes the duck may have been a victim of poaching.
"There was a fishing line on the arrow. It looks like a targeted hunt, but we lack evidence," he said. "Or it may be vandalism."
According to the Daily Mail local police are now searching for the culprit.
