It's a well known fact that otters have made themselves rather comfortable at Gardens by the Bay (GBTB).

They have become one of the highlights, drawing Singaporeans and foreigners to flock over to catch a glimpse of them.

Recently, there is another family at GBTB that is keeping nature enthusiasts busy.

Rare ducks nesting 11 offsprings

A family of rare Lesser Whistling Ducks, a pair of parents and all 11 of their children, has been nesting at GBTB since around end-June 2019.

Nature enthusiasts have been shuttling back and forth to take photos of the ducks on the water lily pond.

Some concerned patrons have been monitoring the family as well.

The family started out with 11 ducklings but two ducklings had gone missing by June 28.

By July 2, the family lost five ducklings.

Understandably, it is a huge family for the two duck parents to take care of.

Despite having the habit to keep their ducklings in between, they are still unable to protect all of them from predators or danger.

It is suspected that some of these ducklings might have been attacked by monitor lizards that are residing in GBTB.

Making GBTB a nesting spot

According to a bird enthusiast, the ducklings will grow to be strong enough to take flight and leave to the forest in two months' time.

However, if the nesting fails in GBTB, there will not be any Lesser Whistling Ducks nesting here anymore.

The Lesser Whistling Ducks are uncommon breeding resident in Singapore.

That probably explains why some bird lovers care so much about keeping these ducklings alive.

GBTB management eventually responded to the feedback and built a floating wooden platform for the family.

They also relocated the snakehead fish, an aggressive alien species which supposedly pose threats to the ducks too.

Here are some really cute photos of the ducklings playing on the platform:

Things look much better now.

Life still goes on for the family despite losing seven members in just a few days.

The family was spotted taking a dip in the marina reservoir recently, besides just hanging out at the waterlily pond.

They crossed the road...

https://giphy.com/gifs/fwncGCR6vCxil23yqV

jumped across the drain which was an exceptional hurdle for the little ones...

https://giphy.com/gifs/KdBpCCHmL8ElzYs2k8

but nothing is stopping them from getting back to the waters.

https://giphy.com/gifs/kxlQgSqau6AZ54yhzS

Here are more beautiful photos of the family of six taken by a nature enthusiast.

"Kids, beak against the bum and don't drift away" and there you always have a blur one:

"Stay close, kids."

Awww, that fluff.

Good luck, kiddos!

Top photo by Sam Too. GIFs from Gardens by the Bay Facebook.