Swan rescued December 11th 2015 Tiny Marsh

Many people walked by this poor swan in need but had no idea it was in trouble. It was always in the same spot moving a bit here and there. But never far. Never going with the other swans,never seen flying. Sitting and preening a lot. One wing was not like the other. It suffered for at least 2 weeks maybe longer. It had been shot and its wing had been badly broken. It grew weaker as the days went by. It was in pain,it got infection that was going to kill it if we didn't get it. It was very week. When I saw the photo someone had taken and saw the droopy wing and found out he had not left that area. I knew he needed help. And I set up the rescue. Toronto Wildlife came up and did the rescue. A difficult rescue from canoes n kayaks in December. Paddling all the way to the other side of the marsh were the swan was residing and back. But they got lucky and he was week enough now that the fight to go to far was just not there. Andrew got him. Wrapped him in a sheet to calm and protect him. Tucked him safely between his legs and made the journey back to shore with his patient. Andrews assistant Stacey went back to get the equipment that was dropped off in the marsh. Unfortunately. This is not a happy ending. The medical staff was awaiting this patient when it arrived. But turned out that this swan was shot. Causing it to fall and break the wing. Bad. Infection had already set in. The wing could not be fixed. He had 4 shot gun pellets in his body.He had to be euthanized. A waste of a beautiful life. A protected species. Shot in a wildlife area. Need I say more. If you see anything like this. Dont sit back,report it,help save a life. After all it is an innocent life,a beautiful life,a protected life.

Andrew about to get the swan

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There is even a very large sign to warn hunters of these birds and explain they are a protected species.

Andrew arriving back with Lonesome,a swan who had been adopted by the Wye Marsh adopt a swan program. Named Lonesome and was 9 years old.No known mate.But were unsure of that.

Carrying this precious life to the awaiting carrier. This picture gets me every time. The compassion stands out far and above the call of duty.

Safe and sound in his carrier for the trip to the big city.

We didn't know we wouldn't see him again. You always hope for the best. But you always have to be prepared for the worst as well. He no longer had to suffer. The pain must of been horrible for this poor swan.