Dead ducks found in Lake Lomandra, Robina as ‘false’ claims of contamination surface

Robina residents are in a flap after a horrifying discovery in a picturesque pond. See what they found.

ROBINA residents are in a flap after three ducks were discovered dead in a Gold Coast lake.

The grim discovery in Lake Lomandra has prompted claims on social media from some locals that the body of water was contaminated and the ducks had contracted botulism.

But area councillor Hermann Vorster says those claims are false and that there was “no evidence indicating the animals died from botulism.”

The ducks were found in Lake Lomandra at Robina. Picture: Sam Stolz

However, he was aware of “up to three dead ducks” in the lake, and offered a stern message to residents.

“Botulism has been known to occur from bacteria resulting from feeding bread to ducks and other birds. I advise residents not to feed the native birdlife bread,” he said.

“Through all of my conversations with wildlife agencies including care staff at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, this has been their message.”

Cr Vorster said Lake Lomandra is regularly maintained and tested and that 10,000 tonnes of aquatic weeds had been removed to maintain the quality of the waterway.

A Gold Coast City Council spokesperson said botulism naturally occurs in high nutrient and low oxygen aquatic environments.

But the City says the lake is regularly maintained and looked after.

“The factors that contribute to the growth of the botulism toxin are naturally occurring and caused by environmental triggers, such as animal and plant decay,” the spokesperson said.

“The City routinely monitors the water quality at Lake Lomandra, with the most recent results not identifying any matters of concern.”

“The City will continue monitoring Lake Lomandra and improving the water quality through actions such as aquatic vegetation removal and aeration.”

Meanwhile, a makeshift shrine has been erected for the dead ducks, who one local described as “real characters on the lake”.

A tribute fixed to a tree honouring the dead ducks. Picture: Facebook

On a tree on Lake Lomandra, a photo of the two ducks sat alongside a written tribute.

“These guys went for their last swim under the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, December 5,” the message read.

“The emergency vet did everything to save them, but their breathing and heart were compromised along with slow paralysis. Just heartbreaking!!!”

“As we all know, they were inseparable. We were very fortunate to have them entertain us and cause some chaos at times. After 5+ years, it just won’t be the same on the pond.”

Originally published as Dead ducks found in Lake Lomandra, Robina as ‘false’ claims of contamination surface