This image shows two Muscovy ducks known as Mr. Chipper and Grace. They were among four ducks shot multiple times and killed at a park in Costa Mesa over the weekend. (Michelle Berger, via Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center)COSTA MESA, CA — Four ducks were shot and killed at a park in Costa Mesa, and a local wildlife center seeks the public’s help finding the shooter.A mallard, a Pekin duck named Darryl and two Muscovy ducks known as Mr. Chipper and Grace were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds each at TeWinkle Park, Debbie McGuire, executive director of the nonprofit Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, said in a news release. “My initial reaction was to wonder how hollow and cruel the mind of the person is who murdered these innocent animals,” McGuire said. “What treacherous thoughts and feelings motivated them? A shudder of fear and sadness ran down my spine.”Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go! An image shows a Muscovy duck known as Mr. Chipper that was shot multiple times and killed at a park in Costa Mesa over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center) A frequent park visitor told McGuire other ducks are missing and feared dead. They were last seen alive around 7 p.m. Sunday. The wetlands center is helping police investigate the shootings by performing X-rays and removing bullets from the ducks. Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go! An image shows an X-ray of a Muscovy duck named Grace that was shot multiple times and killed at a park in Costa Mesa over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center) The center asked members of the public to come forward with tips about the shooter and contact Costa Mesa police. “We as a community need also remember that not only are the lives of wild animals in danger, but also those of us and our loved ones,” McGuire said. “The assailant is shooting firearms in a neighborhood park. If they were to miss their target, a stray bullet could hit an innocent person or a passing car.”With a lake, tennis courts, playground and dozens of picnic tables, the 49-acre TeWinkle Park is often frequented by children and families. Wild ducks swim around the lake, and people can feed them.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.ThankReply (9)Share
