A group of seven cygnets is back with its family this week after Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill made the rare decision to admit waterbirds following an incident on a local road.
The rescue began when a member of the public discovered eight cygnets wandering on the roadside, their parents nowhere to be seen. With help from police, the birds were secured in a temporary pen before being collected by Secret World’s team. It was later confirmed that the brood had originally consisted of ten.
Secret World does not routinely admit waterbirds, and the organisation’s current biosecurity measures make such admissions difficult due to the risks associated with avian influenza. However, with no other suitable rescue able to take the group, staff reviewed their protocols and introduced additional controls to allow temporary care. The cygnets were generally healthy, still together as a family group, and the seasonal risk of avian influenza was considered lower.
Katie Gibbs, Wildlife Care Supervisor, said: “The situation required everyone to work together quickly. The member of the public had done exactly the right thing by calling us and, with the help of the police, securing the cygnets. Once we arrived, it was all hands on deck to get the group safely transported back to Secret World.”
On arrival, the cygnets were moved into dedicated waterfowl accommodation, kept completely isolated from the wider wildlife hospital. One of the birds was noticeably weaker than the rest, and despite intensive care, its condition did not improve. The difficult decision was made to euthanase the cygnet on welfare grounds.
The remaining seven stayed at Secret World for just under a week before being returned to the lake near where they were found, where they were reunited with their family.
Secret World is using the incident to reiterate that it is not currently routinely admitting waterbirds. Staff can still attend incidents to assess situations, relocate birds where appropriate, or signpost members of the public to trusted organisations such as RSPCA West Hatch. In cases where a waterbird is suffering and euthanasia is considered necessary, the team can also provide assistance.
Lauren Valentine, Wildlife Care and Veterinary Services Manager, adds the rescue was an exceptional case rather than a change in policy. She emphasised the need to consider the wider implications of admitting waterbirds, particularly the risks posed by avian influenza to other animals and staff. In this instance, additional controls were put in place and the group was kept fully isolated, allowing temporary care to be provided safely.
George Bethell, Head of Education, says: “This was a fantastic example of what can happen when members of the public, emergency services and wildlife rescuers work together. It also took a huge amount of teamwork here at Secret World, with people from across the organisation stepping away from their usual roles to help.”
“We are delighted that we were able to return this group to their home and reunite them with their family. Having ten cygnets reach this stage after none were raised last year is a remarkable achievement for the parents.”
Secret World continues to ask members of the public to contact the charity for advice if they encounter a waterbird in difficulty, rather than attempting to transport the animal themselves. The team can assess the situation and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
