A Second Chance for Solo the Swan
An orphaned swan has found a new home and family just in time for Christmas.
Solo the cygnet was brought into Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill after a freak accident killed his entire family.
Luckily his story has a happy ending: Solo has made a full recovery and has been rehomed with two other cygnets, Grace and Drift, who have become his new family.
Solo was part of a family of five swans that were landing on the Huntspill River when they were hit by a passing lorry. The adult swans were killed outright and one of the cygnets died as the police tried to load them into their vehicle to get help.
The police took the two surviving cygnets to Quantock Veterinary Hospital in Bridgwater, but despite being given intensive care, sadly one of them died.
Solo, the only surviving cygnet, came to Secret World for continued care and has now been taken out to his new home by volunteer response drivers Grahame and Vicki Thompson.
Solo, Grace and Drift were released at Chilton Moor Bridge on South Drain, Huntspill River, where an existing large flock was in residence.
The Somerset Moors become home to hundreds of juvenile swans through the winter as they mature and eventually pair for life. Solo has been given his second chance in the wild in time for Christmas.
Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care Services at Secret World, said: “We always aim to return animals back to where they have come from, but Solo, being on his own, has gone with his new friends Grace and Drift to the Somerset Moors.”
Secret World provides a 365-days-a-year service to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Members of the public who would like advice on how to look after wild animals or would like to report injured wildlife should call 01278 783 250.
Notes for editors:
- Secret World Wildlife Rescue is one of the South West’s leading wildlife rescue charities (charity number 1097119) based in East Huntspill in Somerset.
- Now in its 25th year, Secret World Wildlife Rescue cares for more than 5,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.
- As well as being a respected source of expertise and a centre of excellence where British wildlife receives the best care, Secret World has an extensive volunteer programme and engages with schools to promote respect for wildlife and the environment, adding further benefits to the local community.
- As Secret World does not receive any government funding, it relies entirely on the generosity of supporters and donors to carry out this important work for British wildlife.
- The charity’s website is www.secretworld.org
