Home / Environment / IKEA Bags Save Swan Babies in Somerset Rescue
IKEA Bags Save Swan Babies in Somerset Rescue
3 Sep
Summary
- Eight baby swans were rescued using IKEA bags.
- A wildlife charity made an exceptional decision to help.
- One swan was euthanized due to an old leg fracture.
Eight cygnets were discovered alone on a road in Somerset and subsequently rescued using IKEA bags. A local wildlife charity, Secret World, was contacted by a concerned citizen. Although the charity generally does not assist waterbirds due to avian influenza risks, they made an exception for these young swans.
The rescue team transported the cygnets in IKEA bags, noting their surprising utility for large waterbirds. Upon arrival at the center, the birds were housed in specialized waterfowl accommodation for monitoring. Despite intensive care, one cygnet, found to have an unhealed leg fracture, was euthanized on welfare grounds.
The remaining seven cygnets spent approximately a week at the rescue facility. Due to their generally healthy condition and a lower seasonal risk of avian influenza, they were safely returned to a lake near their original location. Special biosecurity protocols were enacted to mitigate risks to other wildlife at the center.
