Swan Rescue

This video is the story of the rescue of an injured Trumpeter Swan from Lost Lake in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, near White Bear Lake. The swan had an injured left wing which only allowed it to fly for short distances. With winter coming on fast the spreading ice would soon result in the death of the swan from starvation or predators, such as fox or coyotes. The rescue was successful and the swan was taken to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, MN for evaluation and treatment. Thanks to all the many volunteers for their efforts in rescuing this beautiful creature. Update 11/23/10: The swan was found to have been shot with a steel shotgun pellet in its left wing, which had broken two bones. The swan is recovering nicely following surgery and while it appears he will not be able to fly again he may have a future in a captive breeding program in Iowa, or possibly elsewhere. I will post updates as necessary. By the way, the lake froze over 2 days after the rescue. Update 11/29/10: As of tomorrow, the swan will be transferred to the Iowa DNR where he will live out his days in their breeding program. A Steve Russell video.

[photoguy]

The pond froze over solid the following night. Perhaps the swan would have preferred to have been eaten by a fox or coyote, or maybe a more peaceful but slow starvation, but we think he is happier now. Yes, swans have seen the best and worst man has to offer. In this case he fortunately saw the best after seeing the worst. All of the people who participated love swans every bit as much as you.

[sjenkins]

what a great story -- thanks for posting this, it made me smile so much!

[Jason_Maier]

very nice . . . glad to see the swan was rescued and he didn't look to scared when you were holding him

[dwickish]

Iowa breeding program swans are NOT HELD CAPTIVE. They are as wild as they can be after debilitating injuries that prevent them from flying. In fact, habitat is created for them, and it's wonderful habitat.
And what "group" are you talking about, anyway? I am a volunteer. I was called in to help rescue this bird.
Now, who's ignorant? It sure isn't the volunteers who saved this bird (and it was fine.)

[dwickish]

muteswan"truth", I'm not sure where you get your information, but it was as far off base as it could be. First, the swan DID NOT have surgery to try to correct the old injury that was not fixable. The bird had an obvious wing injury. It was apparent from all aspects, including photos. And the bird could only fly short distances and very low. It was not in "it's Habitat" it was in a very small development pond and UNABLE TO GET OUT. If it had a mate, it had abandoned it months before.

[ODColon]

Muteswan"truth". Right. These are not mute swans. These are trumpeters, which are coming back from near extinction because of efforts like this. Perhaps you can enlighten us where in the world hunters are allowed to shoot trumpeters. No place in the western hemisphere, for sure. This particular swan had perhaps a week to live before dying a horrible death. Within a week, the ice would be four to six inches thick, and the bird would have no water and no food.

[ODColon]

You have no idea what you are talking about.

[ODColon]

You have no idea what you are talking about. For once we agree. Pure ignorance.