Charity shop staff, volunteers and animal rescuers came together yesterday afternoon (Thursday) to rescue an injured swan that crashed into a town centre building, finding itself stuck in the car park.
A member of staff from the British Heart Foundation sought help from nearby Friends of the Animals after the bird flew into the charity’s building.
Staff from Friends of the Animals responded with a large crate and managed to carefully corral the swan inside.
With a little help from the British Heart Foundation, which lent wheels to help transport the bird, rescuers were able to move the swan through the back entrance of the Friends of the Animals shop on Pyle Street.
An initial examination revealed no obvious injuries apart from a scrape to the swan’s left wing.
However, rescuers decided it would be safer to allow the bird at least 1 night to recover rather than immediately returning it to the river.
Volunteers Dave and Charlotte then stepped in to collect the swan and transport it to Louise at the Island Riding Centre, which has previously supported Friends of the Animals during emergencies.
The charity has praised everyone involved in the rescue, with the combined efforts of shop staff, volunteers and the Island Riding Centre ensuring the swan could be safely cared for following its unexpected collision.
It is hoped the swan will soon be well enough to return to the river.
