Locals had enjoyed seeing a family of swans living on the water at Mouldon Hill Country Park, but recently tragedy struck after the mother and six cygnets disappeared and the father was seen looking worse for wear.
He was spotted hiding in bushes, looking terrible and ‘covered in blood’ leading to concerned residents posting onto social media.
Animal rescue charity RSPCA Oak and Furrows received several calls about the beloved feathered father and he was eventually taken to the Cricklade-based centre by a kind member of the public for treatment.
But the severely injured swan was showing extreme levels of stress and distress and the decision was made to put it to sleep to end its suffering.
Anj Marie, deputy manager at RSPCA Oak and Furrows explained more.
“We found his right eye sadly blown and in the early stages of infection, as well as multiple puncture wounds on his face and head.
“He was also lethargic, clearly having been through a terrible ordeal relating to whatever on earth happened to the rest of his family.”
She further explained that swans mate for life and the loss of a partner can cause huge issues with stress to the remaining swan, especially if they are already injured or unwell.
“The main issue in cases like this is they quite often ‘give up’ like you know when the old man passes away and the wife passes about a day or two later from a broken heart, it’s sad as anything.
“The stress of seeing his family attacked was just too much for him and he had no fight left so we did the kindest thing and this morning our lovely local RSPCA Inspector quietly and gently helped him pass,” Anj added.
While the evidence doesn’t reveal exactly what happened to the swan, or its missing family, it’s clear it had been involved in some sort of attack with some blaming otters which have been spotted in the lake there, some blaming foxes and some blaming an out-of-control dog.
And said: “We are all devastated at the centre about whatever must have happened to this little swan family and can appreciate the toll it must have taken on locals to the area who had grown to know and care for them.”
It has been several days since the other swan and its six cygnets were seen.