Fight between two Swans Broken up by Rescuer.

The second swan rescued at Marine, Photo By Monica Norley (2)
The second swan rescued at Marine, Photo By Monica Norley

A fight had to be broken up at Brighton Marina at the weekend but not by Police but by volunteer rescuers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) who were called out by Brighton Marina security. Two swan started fighting in the marina and became stuck and in need of help. Rescuers had to scare off one of the two swans which was attacking the other which had become stuck between a pontoon and wall at the side of the marina on Saturday 7th March 2015.

The Stuck Swans Photo by Martin Stevens
The Stuck Swans Photo by Martin Stevens

Rescuer Tony Neads of Polegate, struggled to free the swan which was tightly caught. “In addition to get the swan out of a narrow gap, they were entangled in a hose pipe too! I got very wet in the process but after encouraging the first swan away, I was eventually able to reach the stuck swan and lift him out of the narrow gap to safety. On land I could then see the swan had a nasty injury down to the bone on the side of the swans foot. The attacking swan was also injured but not as severely as the first which had to be my priority. ”

The swan had to be rushed to WRAS’s Casualty Care Centre at Whitesmith where Centre Manager Chris Riddington assessed the wounds and provided first aid. “The wound was right along the side of the toe down to the bone and damaged the nail bed too. We struggled at first to stop the bleeding. We think this swan became stuck and struggling to get away from the attacking swan which we believe was trying to chase off the intruder in his territory” said Chris.

The swan was taken up to the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton for specialist veterinary care due to the severity.

Rescuer Chris attended on site on the Sunday to check the other injured swan which he managed to catch from one of the pontoons using food. “There was a similar wound on this swan but luckily no as bad as the first swan. So he is was taken to WRAS where he has been bedded down for assessment on Monday” said Chris.

“WRAS has dealt with several swan overs the past couple of months where swans have been chased off or injured in territorial fighting between swans, which are starting to think about this springs breeding season and they don’t want last year’s youngsters or any other pairs of swans hanging around” added WRAS founder Trevor Weeks MBE.

UPDATE:

The second swan caught from Brighton Marina with the more minor injuries was released today back to the Marina to return to his partner. Trevor Weeks MBE founder of East Sussex WRAS said “The injuries to this swan were no where near as serious as the first swan and after some treatment and a night at our Casualty Centre the swan is was suitable for release. The curative nature of the salt water will also work wonders with healing the wounds too.”

-END-

Pictures

Taken by members of the public and labelled for credits.

Media Contacts:

Trevor Weeks 01825-873003 or 07931523958

Chris Riddington - 07946797222

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