"Grieving" swan bonds with rescuee after nesting mate shot dead
A reward is being offered to help catch those responsible for the killing
Last updated 1st May 2024
A swan "widowed" when his nesting mate was shot and killed near Southampton has bonded with another rescued female swan.
The bird was found dead in a pool off Weston Parade in Netley Abbey on 23 April after being shot in the neck.
The swan's five eggs will not hatch.
The surviving male was taken in by the charity Swan Support for his safety.
It said he was doing well and has "taken a shine" to one of the female swans in their care.
Wendy Hermon from Swan Support said: "A lot of swans get nasty with other ones if they've lost a mate, but it's almost like he likes the companionship of this female.
"We went in to see him last night and his neck was in her back while he was sleeping, it was quite sweet."
A £2,000 reward is being offered to catch those responsible for the shooting.