Duck rescued after surviving crash and 30-minute ride stuck in car grill near Den Helder

An incredible rescue occurred near Den Helder, Netherlands, where a wild shelduck miraculously survived a high-speed collision and a half-hour car ride stuck inside a vehicle's front grill. The event took place on Monday afternoon near the Amstelmeer, a lake located in the Kop van Noord-Holland region just outside Den Helder. The shelduck collided with a passing car, but the driver failed to notice the impact.

Unbeknownst to the driver, the duck became wedged tightly inside the front grill of the car. The motorist continued driving for approximately 30 minutes, reaching highway speeds between 90 and 100 kilometers per hour.

Once the vehicle stopped and the bird was finally noticed, an emergency call was placed to the Dierenambulance Den Helder, which is the local animal ambulance. Rescuers arrived at the scene in Van Ewijcksluis to find the duck completely jammed in the car's plastic grill, unable to move. Animal ambulance workers managed to carefully dislodge and free the bird in under 10 minutes.

Against all odds, the duck survived the direct impact, the high-velocity wind, and the engine heat. The shelduck escaped with only a few minor scratches and bruises.

The bird was then taken to the De Helderse Vallei wildlife rescue sanctuary to rest and regain its strength. Animal care workers noted on social media that the duck "clearly had a guardian duck on its shoulder" and confirmed it will be released back into the wild as soon as it is fully recovered.