Firefighters worked with the RSPCA to free a female swan, who was caught by some thick twine at the side of a lake.
The female adult swan, who was found at the University of Nottingham, is one of an established pair who live on the lake.
The twine had wrapped around her body and foot and was unable to get herself free.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Paula Jones attended on 9 January – but was unable to reach the swan as she was trapped against a brick wall which ran along the lake.
A crew from Highfields station were called at 9am to rescue the swan. Two firefighters in water rescue kit entered the water, secured the swan, and cut the rope.
Paula said: “The firefighters did an amazing job of cutting the twine and then ensuring nothing was left in the water. They handed the swan to me for a check-up. The twine had gone around the underside of her left wing and around the front of her body too, and she had some blood on her left foot.”
Paula took the swan to Arnold Carlton Vets, where she was examined. Vets found that one of the swan’s toes had been partially deboned as result of being caught.
As the swan was still able to stand, the vet stitched the wound and gave her some antibiotics.
Paula added: “As her wound was treated it meant I could then return her back to the lake and reunite her with her mate.
“It was just lovely to watch her get back in the water and swim over to her mate. It was truly a happy ending and one that put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
“It was a real team effort and I would like to say a huge thank you to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and vet Ben Berlyne.”
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Tom Archer, said: “We are pleased that our specialist water-rescue crew could aid the RSPCA in this instance. This goes to show how varied our crews’ working days can be, and the wide range of skills required to be a firefighter.”
