Swan in distress

A plea for help form the people we support 

reposted from Facebook 

Urgent Appeal...

***WARNING - GRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPH***

This morning we rescued this young swan from a lake at a water sports club in Draycott, Derby. 

site of rescue

Last night he was involved in a collision with a speed boat on the larger lake at the club. As it was dropping dark the driver of the boat didn't see him as he swam in front of them. As a result he was injured but disappeared into some bushes.

This morning we attended the scene and with the help of several club members and a boat, we managed to locate this poor youngster sitting on the edge of the lake next to brambles and trees. It was obvious he was in a lot of pain as he didn't move even when the boat was near him. Thanks to a kind club member, who waded across in a wet suit and caught him, the young swan was brought to the boat where we secured him in a swan bag until we got back to the docking area.

Rescued swan with mangled wing folded up

We have named this young man Drake. Due to extensive injuries to the right wing, which is both broken and mangled, the next course of action is surgery to remove the damaged portion of the wing. The operation will be done tomorrow once he is stabilised. This will cost in the region of £200 which we hope to be able to raise as it is a lot of money.

If anyone can help please donate funds for his surgery via paypal small_furries06@yahoo.co.uk. 

This poor lad deserves another chance at life and it would be devastating for his life to be over when it barely has begun. He is fighting us despite his condition and didn't want to take his pain relief or antibiotics. According to the people at the location this morning he is the last of five cygnets born on this lake with his siblings mysteriously disappearing along with his parents, so he has been surviving on his own. We plan to pair Drake up with Gracie once he has recovered and we have an offer of a private lake the pair could reside on next year.

Still a baby really hence the grey colouration

Please help if you can, Thankyou.
Lake photo courtesy of Wilne Church Water Sports Club

• Please note that I have not posted the detailed picture of his injuries as to be honest even with the wounds  cleaned up its not pretty even if survivable with the proper care  which Burton Wildlife Rescue will give