Injured Trumpeter Swan Released
Posted on: September 2, 2009 | admin | 2 Comments | Print Article | Rate Post:
(7 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5)A trumpeter swan discovered in Tern Lake with an arrow piercing its side has been rescued and was successfully released back into the wild.
Kayak Adventures Worldwide dispatched four kayaks to herd the injured swan nearly one mile to Center staff, who strung a 70-foot net across a stream. After several attempts, the paddlers were able to enclose the bird against the bank with their boats. ASLC staff captured it and extracted the arrow, which narrowly missed the swan’s spine. From there, the bird was taken to the stranding unit at the Alaska SeaLife Center where staff performed blood work and other tests.
“Its wing was pinned to its body,” said SeaLife Center Stranding Coordinator Tim Lebling. “Thankfully, the arrow missed all vital organs.” Lebling noted that the target arrow was shot at close range, and pierced 9 to 10cm into the swan’s skin.
Because the bird was found to be in excellent condition, the release went well on Tuesday, September 1 at Tern Lake.
Photos by Chip Arnold
Photos by Chip Arnold
Photos by Chip Arnold
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September 2nd, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
I understand that as a teenager the Buddha’s first act of compassion was removing an arrow from a swan. You folks are in good company. Good job, and thanks.
September 3rd, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
I drove to Seward the week ahead of this and saw the pair swans in the distance – a tranquil scene on a misty day. As I boarded the plane to leave Alaska I opened the Anchorage Daily News to see that memorable photo, noting it had made front page news. Just by that, I knew that many cared and now to find news that successful action was taken to secure this pair’s future – wow! Heartfelt thanks to all involved. For those that want learn more about this elegant species and to help us work to secure populations of Trumpeters throughout their range please visit us at http://www.trumpeterswansociety.org. Again, thanks to all involved and to you for reporting the news.