A group of 15 orphaned ducklings have an unlikely new foster dad - in a golden Labrador called Fred. Remarkably this is the second time Fred has made headlines after adopting nine orphaned ducklings when he was ten years old in 2018.
Now, four years later, the old dog has become the proud father to a new brood. Pictures show the ducklings adorably huddling between his front legs and even on top of him as they lay together in the sun at Mountfitchet Castle, Essex.
The ducklings were orphaned after their mother mysteriously disappeared overnight at the castle in Stansted. Ever since Fred has made sure to look after his new similarly coloured foster children, even carrying them around on his back.
Fred's owner Jeremy Goldsmith says he's not surprised that Fred found a new family.
He said: "Over the 15 years of owning him Fred has spent a lot of time at the castle with the animals and it has become second nature to him being amongst the various rescued animals."
The ducklings are expected to remain with Fred at the castle until they're old enough to survive on their own.
