Community Corner

Injured Swan Being Treated at Wildlife Center in Weymouth

An injured swan rescued from Ell Pond Park in Melrose last week is being cared for at the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth, according to Danielle Genter, a senior rescue technician with the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

An injured swan rescued from Ell Pond Park in Melrose last week is still being treated at a wildlife facility, according to Danielle Genter, a senior rescue technician with the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

"The swan is currently being cared for at the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth," wrote Genter in an email to Melrose Patch on Wednesday. "I called them this morning to get an update on (the swan's) status and the gentleman who answered the phone informed me that the swan was still recovering from (its) injuries and being monitored in their medical ward."

A veterinarian was busy at the time and unable to provide additional information about the swan's treatment, according to Genter.

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Genter, with help from Melrose Animal Control Officer Diane Kurkjian, rescued the injured swan from Ell Pond Park at about noon on Sept. 11. The swan was found entangled in fishing line at Ell Pond, according Genter.

"We found the young swan all alone on the banks of the pond near West Emerson Street," Genter said.

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Genter was able to distract the swan with some crackers and gently captured it using her hands. She proceeded to carry the swan to a grassy area where Kurkjian was waiting and removed a three-prong hook using wire cutters from the webbing of its foot.

"The swan seemed a bit unsteady on (its) feet so I brought (it) back to our Boston shelter to be seen by our vet," Genter said. "None of the injuries inflicted by the hook look infected but (it) appears a bit weak so we will hold (it) here overnight and if (it) still appears weak (Wednesday) we will take (it) to a wildlife rehabilitator for continued care."


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