Homeward bound for swans in Southport
SWANS return to marine lake in good
health after mass RSPCA rescue to save over 40 birds. A bevy of 20 swans
are to be released back into the wild on 31 March 2015, after falling seriously ill at
Town's Southport Marine Lake. Last month, the RSPCA was called to the lake after local group Southport Swan
Rescue raised the alarm about the welfare of over 40 swans. The RSPCA worked
tirelessly with the local community to embark on a 3 week long monitoring and
rescue operation, including working with other groups such as the Merchant
Taylors School Rowing Club who went out in their boats alongside the RSPCA water
rescue team to try and help catch some of the sick swans. 41 swans were brought into RSPCA care and sadly several succumbed to
their illness before they were able to be saved. 30 swans have been released back into the wild
after being return home, to the Marine Lake.
Derek Hampson, the RSPCA animal collection officer who rescued the swans, said:-
"This rescue was no mean feat due to the sheer number of swans falling ill
over several weeks but I am just very pleased that so many of the swans have
made such an excellent recovery in our care. I dread to think what would have
happened if we hadn't intervened when we had as the birds were extremely poorly.
They came in weak and emaciated but now they have a new lease of life after
being nursed back to the very best of health by the amazing staff at Stapeley
Grange Wildlife Centre. Releasing them tomorrow will be really rewarding for me,
having been there since the beginning, and I can't wait to see them fit and well
and back in their natural habitat."
Although there were no conclusive results, we know that it was not caused by
lead poisoning. It is thought the swans may have been suffering from a bout of
necrotic enteritis, caused by toxins produced by bacteria in the environment. A
poor diet would have also contributed to the condition of the 41 swans admitted
to Stapeley Grange.
Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said:- "Southport Marine Lake is
overpopulated with waterfowl on a site where there is no natural feed and so the
birds have therefore become reliant on food from members of the public which is
clearly an issue. It is really important for people to remember to feed
ducks and swans the correct food. Feeding the ducks and swans is a lovely day
out for some people but traditionally this involves feeding them bread. Bread is
really bad for water birds as it is a form of junk food that can lead to
malnutrition. We generally advise people to feed birds fresh greens such as
cabbage and spinach and more grain-based foods such as wheat, corn or bird seed
as this is closer to their natural diet. However in this case, during the winter
months, overfeeding from grain left by well meaning members of public may have
contributed to the outbreak of disease as this is where the toxins build up when
on the ground."
The RSPCA is a charity that relies on public donations to exist. To help us care
for animals and birds like these swans, please text:- "HELP" to:- 78866 to give £3
(texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message).
