'Dehydrated' swans who couldn't fly rescued from leaking pond

Countryside rangers alongside volunteers from Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Service carried out the rescue.

‘Dehydrated’ swans rescued from pond at Glasgow’s Knightswood Park over low water levels — Rescue: The swans have now released back into their natural habitat at Hogganfield Loch. Glasgow City Council

17th Jul 2024

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Swans suffering from “dehydration” had to be removed from a Glasgow pond with low water levels.

Glasgow City Council confirmed the birds, which were shedding skin and had no light feathers, were rescued from the water at Knightswood Park.

The swans, now released back into water at Hogganfield Loch, were said to have no natural food alongside being dehydrated.

The council’s countryside rangers alongside volunteers from Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Service carried out the rescue.

The swans have now been released back into their natural habitat at Hogganfield Loch Glasgow City Council

Low water levels in the pond caused by leakages are being “continuously investigated” by the council in conjuction with the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

A council spokeswoman said: “Our countryside rangers safely relocated the swans to Hogganfield Loch due to low water levels in the aged Knightswood Pond which has multiple leaks.

“Along with the SSPCA, we have been continually monitoring the swans over several months and especially during the current dry spell.

“We were able to relocate them safely to Hogganfield Loch last Friday with the assistance of volunteers from Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue in Beith.

“The swans couldn’t fly themselves as they are naturally moulting and currently have no flight feathers.

“We’re happy to report that they are settling in well at Hogganfield.

“Work continues to find a solution to the leakages at Knightswood Pond.”