Published: November 30, 2010
Swan trapped on frozen lake is rescued by Burnham boat crew

A swan was rescued from a frozen lake at Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park on Monday evening (November 29th) after it became trapped in the ice.

Wildlife carers from East Huntspill's Secret World called on the help of Burnham rescue charity BARB to help reach the stricken bird, whose right leg had become trapped in the ice.

The boat crew managed to break through the ice and slush to reach the swan then ease it free.

"A walker had reported seeing the bird in a lot of distress as it desperately tried to escape, so with a night of freezing temperatures in store, it was decided to reach it as soon as possible. We were grateful for the help of the rescue boat crew," a Secret World spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

BARB's Steve Perks added: "We were happy to help, partly because we were concerned someone might try to walk onto the thin ice to reach the bird, thereby putting themselves in danger."

Pictured above are the relieved BARB crew with Secret World's wildlife carers at the end of Monday's rescue

RELATED LINKS:

Official BARB Web site