A swan stuck on the ice at Drumpellier Country Park was saved after fire crews raced to its aid.
Firefighters were alerted by a member of the public at around 11am this morning, before sending two fire appliances as well as specific resources to the area. On arrival, they found one swan stuck out on the water approximately 30 metres from the shore.
Thankfully, firefighters managed to rescue the animal and hand it into the care of the SSPCA.
Despite it's ordeal, the cygnet wasn't injured and was checked over and found to just be tired. SSPCA officers decided to release the swan back into the water safely.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) used specialist equipment and expertise to rescue the bird, and recommend getting in touch if anyone discovers an animal in distress to avoid placing their own lives in danger.
A SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.54am on Thursday, December 8 to reports of a swan stuck on ice at Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge.
“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where one swan was stuck on ice approximately 30 metres from the shore. Firefighters rescued the swan and handed the bird into the care of the Scottish SPCA.
“As a humanitarian organisation, SFRS crews use their technical training and expertise as well as specialist equipment to rescue animals. This can prevent members of the public placing themselves at risk by trying to effect their own rescue.”
The SSPCA also received a call to their animal helpline from a member of the public who was concerned about the cygnet. Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer, Robert Ward, said: “We received a call from an individual who was worried that a cygnet was stuck in the loch.
“Our team attended but unfortunately it was too dark to locate the bird and any deeper investigation would be a risk to the safety of our staff. We visited the loch again on 8 December when it was lighter and found the cygnet in question.
“The animal was unfortunately trapped in the ice so we enlisted the help of the Water Rescue Team from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who were able to free the bird and bring them to the shore for inspection. I checked the animal over for any cuts and lacerations and, apart from being quite tired from their ordeal, they were in good health. After a little rest, we released them back into the water.
“Unlike older swans who have powerful chests which can break through the ice, cygnets do sometimes need assistance at this time of the year when temperatures drop. If you spot a bird in ice, we encourage you to monitor them closely for 24 hours before calling our helpline as often they are able to free themselves.
“If they seem distressed, or you suspect they are caught in a discarded fishing line, please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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