A team of Auckland volunteer firefighters who earned acclaim around the world for their heart-tugging rescue of eight ducklings trapped in a Green Bay drain have received another accolade.

Footage of Titirangi Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighters extracting the ducklings from the drain has appeared in media around the world, including the BBC.

The 20 minute rescue operation involved a firefighter, held by the legs, reaching into the drain to scoop out the ducklings, who were then put inside an upturned roadcone before being reunited with their anxious mother at a nearby park.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia associate director Ashley Fruno today announced the brigade would receive a Hero to Animals Award for their efforts.

"The compassion and heroism shown by members of the Titirangi Volunteer Fire Brigade are truly an inspiration. Residents of Auckland are very fortunate to have emergency-service personnel who are ready to protect and serve both its human and animal residents.”