An exhausted surfer swan found 60km out to sea is another reason animal rescuers will hold a WIRES course in Batemans Bay on August 12.
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The list of unusual rescues Eurobodalla animal carers are called to continues to grow.
Earlier this year, spokeswoman Shane O’Keefe said Mid South Coast WIRES rescuers were called to help a swan found exhausted out at sea.
“Many of our WIRES rescues are in response to calls from kind members of the public reporting an animal in severe stress, needing immediate attention,” Ms O’Keefe said.
“For some of these animals, our members can only offer a humane end to their suffering. However, thankfully, this is not always the case. Sometimes we receive a call that is very unusual and the story of the misguided swan is one of them.
“WIRES received a call from a person fishing in a deep-sea competition who had found and captured an exhausted, but very lucky, black swan paddling in the ocean 60km out to sea.
“After a rest in the boat’s bathroom, it was picked up by our chairperson, Sandy Collins, once the boat returned to land.
“Sandy immediately phoned WIRES’s swan expert for advise and, whilst juggling the phone and examining the swan, it got a burst of energy, shook off the sheet it was wrapped in and made a bid for freedom.
“It ran down the driveway, used the road as a runway (luckily a quiet cul-de-sac) and took off into the air with Sandy huffing and puffing in hot pursuit.
“After much searching, the escapee was found casually walking up the next street. Luckily the swan had depleted its energy reserves and was recaptured, but only after both Sandy and the swan ran through a patch of prickly bushes.
“Once both Sandy and the swan had got their breath and prickles out, it was off to Caseys Beach Vet Clinic, where it was deemed to be a very healthy, mature adult with a very bad sense of direction.
“After three days at the Sandy Hotel it was released at a nearby lake, where it stayed for four days before flying off – hopefully not out to sea.
“If anyone out fishing comes across a swan that thinks it is an albatross please rescue it and call WIRES.
“If you find a distressed or injured native animal please ring WIRES immediately on 1300 094737 (13000 WIRES). If you are able to safely contain the animal, place it in a warm, dark and quiet environment. The sooner an animal is reported to WIRES the greater its chance of survival.
WIRES Mid South Coast Branch are looking for more volunteers to help rescue, rehabilitate and care for our native wildlife. The practical component of the Rescue and Immediate Care Course ( RICC ) will be held in Batesmans Bay on Saturday, August 12. Visit wires.org.au / training to enrol.
