Eastbourne swan found with hook in beak

A spokesperson for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service said, “We received a call from Shinewater Lake regarding a swan that had a fishing hook stuck to his beak.

“The caller had removed the hook and released him back on to the lake but sadly as the swan swam off, realised he had another hook and line attached. Despite searching the area Sunday we were unable to locate the swan.”

Fortunately the following day, East Sussex WRAS received another call to Shinewater Lake in regards to a swan with a fishing hook stuck to its head.

When rescuers arrived they found the swan had another hook joined by wire, embedded in its side which resulted in the animal being stuck with his head bent backwards.

The swan was caught by East Sussex WRAS rescuer Ollie Long and the wire was cut to free the swan’s head and allow the animal to be transported more comfortably back to the service’s casualty centre where the barbed hooks were removed and the wounds cleaned.

A spokesperson for the service said, “We believe this to be the same swan as the previous day which members of the public rescued and removed a hook in similar circumstances. While this first rescue and release was done with the best of intentions, casualties like this are best taken into care and given full check over for additional injuries or line, to ensure the utmost is done to avoid further harm and to ensure good recovery.

“This swan has been very lucky and we hope that he won’t need to remain in care for too long for the wounds to heal and for him be able to return home.”