Swan tragedy on the Meadows

It is with immense sadness that we must confirm the distressing news of the death of one of our swans and the disappearance of a cygnet from the lake by Five Arch Bridge in Foots Cray Meadows.

The upsetting incident occurred this week despite the heroic and “compassionate” efforts of locals and wildlife experts – with the injuries thought to have been "caused by a dog or an air rifle”.

An official of the Greenwich Wildlife Network praised in particular one local who, on discovering the stricken pen, waited with her and her family all night until specialists could be brought in.

The GWN, a volunteer-run charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, unwell, and orphaned wildlife, said: “Thank you so much to Steve for waiting with the Swan, it was amazingly kind of him, and thank you so much to everyone who cared and helped and to volunteers Nicky, Robyn and Chris for the rescue.

“I'm very sorry to let you know that the swan did not make it.

“When she was rescued, it was already clear that she was gravely unwell and might not survive the journey. She was rushed to South Essex Wildlife Hospital [in Grays 17 miles away] as this was the nearest facility with an experienced wildlife vet.

“Several wounds were discovered beneath her wing. It’s believed that these injuries led to a severe infection which, by the time she reached the vet, was advanced. The only option was to euthanise her.”

The GWN went on to say: “We don’t know whether the original injuries were caused by a dog or an air rifle unfortunately and we're unlikely to get a conclusive answer on this.

“The vet strongly suspected air rifle but the position of the wounds - under the wing - is unusual for a shooting. What is clear is that this level of infection couldn’t have developed in just a few days. The wound was likely at least a week old.

“Sadly, wildlife can conceal very serious issues. Maybe she was so stoic as she had babies to look after. Even if she had been rescued a day or two earlier, the outcome would sadly have been the same.

“Thank you so much for raising the alarm and for caring for her, your care and concern gave her a chance to be seen and given peace. I'm sorry there was nothing we could do.

“I'm sure given that the cygnet vanished there is human involvement here even though we don't know exactly what that was and that makes it all the more difficult.”

A number of concerned and shocked residents have posted on social media about the incident – describing how they have moved to tears by the terrible event - and the Friends of Foots Cray Meadows will keep its members up to date on any further developments.

Meanwhile, the male swan, the cob, and the other four cygnets appear to be doing well.