A swan that was trapped in an outlet pipe was rescued by the RSPCA, but swimming off to his mate.
After members of the public spotted the bird on Thursday, March 18 on Bond Avenue, in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, RSPCA Inspector Andy Eddy was able to help the swan over the concrete barrier and reunited the creature with his partner.
Inspector Andy Eddy said: “It’s unclear how the swan got stuck in the first place, he could have been chasing another swan from his territory or perhaps he was looking for a place to nest.
“Either way, I’m glad that this story has a happy ending.
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“This rescue is why we need to be very aware of the wildlife that call lakes and ponds home.
“I’m very grateful to the member of the public for spotting this swan and raising the alarm.
The swan was rescued on March 18 in Milton Keynes
"He was unhurt by the ordeal and didn’t need any treatment - just a helping hand to get free.
“At this time of year, swans can be very territorial because they are looking for somewhere to nest.
“It’s important that the public give them space, and don’t disturb them or their nests.
“The litter that was around the swan when he was in the outlet pipe also poses a danger as they can get it caught around themselves, get stuck or swallow smaller pieces.”
The RSPCA has only rallied on people to not drop litter in surroundings used by animals and birds, as this could cause the creatures much harm.
It is not known how the swan got stuck
In 2020 the RSPCA took 3,874 calls about animals affected by litter, including 41 incidents in Buckinghamshire.
Head of the RSPCA’s wildlife department Adam Grogan said: “Litter is one of the biggest hazards our wildlife faces today and the pandemic has just added to the problem with many disposable masks just being discarded on the ground.
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A happy ending
These are a new danger to animals and we’ve been called out to rescue animals like ducks and gulls caught up in the masks’ elastic straps.
That’s why we’re calling on the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean to help remove litter that may endanger animals.”
Last year, the RSPCA received 117,026 reports of wildlife in need of help to its helpline, including 7,848 calls about swans.
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