Moray Council 'saddened' after swan rescued from muddy Elgin park by Scottish SPCA put down

Moray Council has said it is “saddened” after a swan rescued from mud in a Moray park was put down.

On Friday, members of the public contacted the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline, expressing concern about a female swan trapped in the mud in Elgin’s Cooper Park after the pond was drained.

Animal rescue officers successfully saved the swan, however, due to the bird’s deteriorating condition, she had to be put to sleep.

The rescue charity was called back to the park on Monday, due to reports of a second swan trapped in the mud. However, the male bird has since flown away.

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said the charity will continue to monitor the male swan.

Cooper Park is under construction. Moray Council via Supplied

A Moray Council spokesman said they are “saddened” by the swan’s death and are committed to the welfare of wildlife.

However, they said there is “no confirmed evidence” linking the swan’s illness to ongoing construction work at the pond.

A spokesperson said: “We are saddened to hear that a swan rescued at Cooper Park pond in Elgin over the weekend had to be put to sleep due to ill health. The cause of the illness is unknown.

“There are many possible reasons as the Scottish SPCA has recognised, and no confirmed evidence linking it to ongoing work at the pond. We recognise, however, that the incident has caused concern and we wanted to provide clarification on why the work is taking place, and the steps being taken to protect wildlife.”

The council said that the primary focus of the ongoing work is the long-term health of the pond and its wildlife inhabitants.

The next phase of work, including clearing the remaining sludge and the installation of fences, will begin shortly, and the council expects the pond to be refilled in June.

“We will continue to monitor the site – including the return of the remaining swans – closely and follow ecological advice throughout the remaining phases of the project,” a Moray Council spokesperson added.