Injured swan cygnets from Chesterfield Canal near Worksop now recovered - but investigation ongoing
Five swan cygnets that were injured by ball bearings shot from a catapult have all recovered with specialist care, despite fears that some of them might not survive.
Several weeks ago, a team from the Yorkshire Swan and Rescue Wildlife Hospital rescued five injured cygnets from the Chesterfield Canal at Turner Wood near Worksop.
It was discovered the birds had been targeted with projectiles fired from a catapult.
Posting on social media, their rescuers said: ‘We weren’t confident they’d all survive, given their condition on arrival - two of the birds had been repeatedly targeted. But we were determined to give them a chance.
‘With the right treatment and care, the condition of all five improved day by day. Soon, they were introduced to our outside pens to continue onto the next stage of their rehabilitation here with us.’
They continued: ‘With their treatments complete and their wounds fully healed, they became ready to return to the wild. Released at an undisclosed location, they are now back enjoying the freedom of the wild and the peace they rightly deserve, in the company of other young swans.’
The team extended their thanks to everyone concerned with the swans’ rescue, treatment and care, adding: ‘with results like this, it makes our hard work, effort and sacrifice all the more worthwhile in providing these birds with a better ending.’
The Police investigation into this act of wildlife crime is ongoing, and anyone who has any further information should contact South Yorkshire Police quoting incident number 705 06-09-26.