Young swans relocated from lake following survival concerns

Four cygnets have been relocated from the Lake Pleasure Grounds after being found without their parents for around a month. 

Volunteers from Bath Swan Rescue found the young swans while attending the lake to help an unwell goose. 

The charity said locals reported that the cygnets’ parents had initially been spooked by dogs and left the lake. It said the blue-green algae affecting the lake could also have been a factor, although this could not be confirmed. 

The volunteers decided to relocate the cygnets because they were still too young to survive without their parents. 

“Unfortunately, cygnets of this age still need their parents,” the charity said on its Facebook page. “They need to learn ‘how to swan’ (foraging for food, flying practice etc) and had another swan flown in, it’s incredibly likely all four of the flightless cygnets would have been severely injured or killed without their parents there to protect them.” 

One of the cygnets was described as “very small and undeveloped”, which the charity believes was likely due to malnourishment. It also said their black faeces indicated they were struggling and had not been accessing enough food. 

The cygnets have now been taken to The Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, where they will receive adequate nutrition and develop the skills they need to survive in the wild. 

The charity added, “We know members of the community will be sad to see them go but can’t emphasise enough how important and necessary this move was for their welfare.” 

Bath Swan Rescue also thanked the three volunteers involved in the rescue and a driver who transported the cygnets to Shepperton. 

The charity has reminded people to look out for other waterfowl showing symptoms of illness and to follow the advice on signs at the Lake Pleasure Grounds not to come into contact with the water because of the blue-green algae. 

 Picture credit: Bath Swan Rescue