A SEABROOK animal rescue shelter opened its doors last week to help rehabilitate a swan pierced by an arrow.
The male swan made news after it was rescued in Altona North last Tuesday. It is believed the arrow was shot at the swan the previous Sunday.
Wildlife rescuers, including Mandy Hall and Kim O’Connor, spent hours trying to rescue the swan last Sunday and Monday.
It was third time lucky on Tuesday when they managed to coax the swan using bread.
It was then taken to Hobsons Bay Veterinary Clinic to be operated on.
Ms O’Connor is caring for the swan at her rescue centre, one of three run by the Wyndham arm of Wildlife Victoria.
Branch member Greg Gordon said Ms O’Connor was providing post-operative care and would consider releasing it in coming days. “We will evaluate how the swan is doing and take things from there, but it’s in really good condition and being kept away from the other animals,” Mr Gordon said.
The swan incident follows a cygnet death at Newport Lakes last December after an attack by a group of youths. Swans have also been attacked at Sanctuary Lakes in recent months.
-Laura Little
