Swan rescued from Greenfield Valley waterfall reunited with mate in a “heart-warming happy ending”

A swan – rescued in dramatic circumstances from beneath a waterfall in Holywell – has been returned to the wild and reunited with his mate in a “heart-warming happy ending”.

RSPCA officers had teamed-up with rangers from the Greenfield Valley Park to help the stranded swan –  with video footage showing the danger the swan was in from the fast-flowing waterfall.

The swan was rescued from the bottom of the waterfall, and came into the RSPCA’s care on 1 February – ahead of a period of rehabilitation and care.

Rescuers from the animal welfare charity have been eager to return the swan to the North Wales site as soon as possible, as his mate had been spotted waiting for the swan at the top of the waterfall.

However, a serious eye injury to the swan required treatment, and a period of care and rehabilitation, at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.

On Thursday (25 February), the now-healthy swan was returned to the park by RSPCA inspectors Michael Pugh and Rachael Davies, and the bird was immediately reunited with his mate.

Stunning photographs show the pair swimming side by side, with an RSPCA officer highlighting how the “mesmerising” moment  acted as a “reminder” why rescuers from the charity do the job they do.

RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh said: “We were so pleased to be able to return this swan to where he belongs – back to the wild, and alongside his mate, at the Greenfield Valley Park.

“Watching these two swans reunite was a real mesmerising moment; and a reminder as to why we do the job. The situation was so different to when we first met this swan, trapped beneath a waterfall and in real danger, some four weeks ago.

“Our work with wildlife is a really important part of what we do – and it was a real heart-warming happy ending for this swan and his mate. We’re so grateful to the Greenfield Valley rangers too for everything they did to help these birds.

“Unfortunately, the need to tend to his eye injury meant the swan needed nearly four weeks of rehabilitation with us – so this pair just missed a St. Valentine’s Day reunion. But they were back together in time for St. David’s Day, at least!”

Gwladys Harrison, Chair of Greenfield valley Trust said: “The Board of Trustees are delighted the Swan is fit and well and has returned back to his mate at Greenfield Valley.

“The reunion was heart-warming for all who witnessed the release. We are very grateful to the RSPCA for the specialist treatment provided to the swan to facilitate its return.”

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