Korbacher Stadtpark: New signs should stop feeding ducks!

Korbacher Stadtpark: New signs should stop feeding ducks!

In the Korbach city park, the city administration sent a clear message to visitors. Two new signs at the pond urge people not to feed the ducks. In doing so, those responsible are responding to a recurring problem that endangers not only the wildlife, but also the pond's delicate ecosystem. The signs were placed at both the front and back of the pond to attract the attention of walkers.

City gardener Gerd Schürmann explains that the signs are intended to raise people's awareness. In the past, many visitors came with bags of bread and rolls to feed the ducks. However, this dietary gesture has serious consequences. Large amounts of leftover bread had to be removed from the water every day, as this not only affects the water quality, but can also upset the balance of the animal population. “The condition of the pond is currently good, but it could quickly collapse,” continued Schürmann.

The consequences of feeding

Feeding ducks and other waterfowl has negative impacts on the animals and the environment. Animals get used to feeding places and thereby lose their natural fear of people. This can lead to dangerous situations because increased gathering of animals causes stress and aggressiveness, which in turn increases the risk of disease transmission. In addition, constant feeding changes the birds' migratory habits, which can affect their chances of survival in winter.

To make matters worse, leftover food in the water often leads to excessive production of algae and bacteria, seriously degrading water quality. Not only is the bread itself low in nutrients, but it also often contains unhealthy ingredients such as salt and sugar, which can cause digestive problems for the ducks.

Sustainable alternatives to feeding

If you still want to do something good, you can resort to healthier alternatives. Recommended snacks include grains such as oatmeal, acorns, pieces of fruit, special waterfowl food or fresh vegetables such as peas and corn. In addition, feeding should only take place on land and within an appropriate framework in order not to overload the animals and not to disturb the natural balance.

In order to protect the ecological balance in the Korbach city park pond, special exit aids for ducklings were installed and the introduction of private fish into the pond was prohibited. The city has nothing against the ducks in the park, but the health of the ecosystem is a top priority.

It is therefore important to treat nature responsibly and treat wildlife with respect. Feeding ducks can not only harm the environment, but also endanger the welfare of the animals. Visit the Korbacher Stadtpark and enjoy the power of nature, but leave the delicacies at home.

For more information about the effects of feeding ducks and tips on proper feeding, visit Vogel und Natur.