Ducklings are in luck! Two new ramps have been installed at the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool to provide easier water access to families of ducks -- and the ducklings have already figured out how to use the new amenity.
Warmer weather has allowed for an increase in the pool's duckling population, but its slanted edge was making it difficult for them to get back into the water.
The Architect of the Capitol consulted with City Wildlife, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in the District, and held a design contest to find the best solution to the ducks' problem.
The ducks apparently approve of the ramps. A gaggle of ducklings was shown waddling quickly up the ramp in a short video posted Tuesday afternoon on Twitter.
"Duckling update: Ramp in Use!" read a tweet from the @uscapitol account.
According to the Architect of the Capitol, four families of mallard ducks are living in the pool. While the ramps are in place to keep the ducks around, officials also warn the public against feeding them.