Pond pollution turns Westbury white swan black

A WHITE swan in Westbury was turned black by a substance suspected to be printer toner that had been disposed of in a pond on Mane Way.

The RSPCA launched a rescue operation last month to save the swan after they were made aware of its distress after it was spotted by members of the public. A team of animal rescuers from the charity worked with Swan Support on Saturday 13th February to catch the swan, before he was taken to a specialist wildlife centre.

The  RSPCA told White Horse News last week that the swan is getting better and will be released in the near future.

According to the Environment Agency the source of the pollution has been “contained”.

“It sounds like there was a deliberate act of someone disposing of something they shouldn’t have done. We will follow up and try and find the perpetrators,” the agency told the BBC.

“A rescue operation was put in place to save the swan and we’re grateful for everyone who made it possible,” said RSPCA inspector, Miranda Albinson, after the rescue.

“The bird was preening to try and clean off the substance but while they are doing this, they are not feeding and they will become weak, so we have to act fast before this happens. 

“If a substance like this is not removed from waterbirds it reduces the natural waterproofing in their plumage, leaving them at risk of dying from hypothermia – so it is vital that they are treated as soon as possible

“We are concerned for a second swan, the mate of the swan who was rescued, as we know she had been affected by the substance but managed to fly away, so would encourage anyone who sees any birds in a black substance in this area to call us on 0300 1234 999

“Since his rescue, the swan has been getting the care he desperately needs as he prepares to be released back into the wild.

“The swan was taken to RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre where he will be cleaned several times to get rid of the black powdery substance, described as similar to printer toner or graphite by the animal care team.

“Every bird is assessed on arrival and sometimes multiple deep cleans are needed to remove all the contaminate. It can be fairly labour intensive, sometimes taking two members of staff 30 minutes for each wash.

“If there are no other injuries, the washed birds can be transferred to outside pools with other swans, geese and ducks as they get ready for their return to where they belong.”

For more information on what to do if you find a wild animal in need of help, visit the RSPCA website at: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals