THE
SWAN SANCTUARY
Passer-by helps save Henry - shooting victim
Henry the swan owes his life to the Egham Swan Sanctuary and a member of the public who spotted him in agony by Staines Bridge on Saturday (26th October '96).
He had fishing line coming from his month, over his back and wrapped around his legs. He also han a fshing hook, swivel and large weight lodged in the throat and had been shot by an air pistol.
Henry was looked after by volunteers at the sanctuary, who calmed him before his operation on Monday evening.
Volunteer, Sheils Pettengell said "Hopefully, he will be alright. They come round quickly from operations but it takes a couple of weeks to heal. We hope to return him to the river.
THE
SWAN SANCTUARY
With your help we can save them
We relieve suffering and aid recovery
The work of the Swan Sanctuary
These magnificent creatures, who are so much a part of our heritage, are unfortunately vulnerable to injury and illness, much of which is caused by man.The Swan Sanctuary began operating in a small back garden in Egham, Surrey in the early 1980s.
In December 1989, with the help of Runnymede Borough Council, an area of disused land was made available, and the project of building the first purpose-built hospital began. It consists of 10 nursing ponds, rehabilitation lakes, operating theatre, X-Ray room, washing room for oiled swans, intensive care ward, isolation room and administration office. There is also a classroom to teach young people safer fishing and how to care for our environment.
All birds treated at the Sanctuary are returned to the wild, to the place where they were taken from, unless the hazard which caused the bird's ailment still exists, in which case the nearest alternative is found.
But the problems are on-going and the resources of the Sanctuary are now streched to the limit.
Dangers to the majestic swan
Discarded nylon fishing line and other litter can kill or injure birds and other animals. So please remember to follow the Nylon and Litter Code.
Polluted water. Oil toxicosis is caused by spillage of petroleum products, and is not easy to treat. Chemical spillages can have even more horrifying consequences. Don't forget the Country Code, respect wild life, help keep all water unpolluted.
Injury by man. Behaviour such as throwing stones or firing air rifles is wilfully cruel and stupid.
Lead poisoning. With the co-operation of bodies such as the Fishing Federation, and well-organised clubs, lead poisoning is now on the decline.
If you see a sick or injured swan please do not hesitate to contact us. We need to know exactly where and when you saw the swan.
(01784) 431667
Help to protect their habitats
Use your influence as a citizen to protect the places where swans live. From a swan's point of view riverside developments are usually designed for humans with little consideration for wildlife. It's their home. Help them by showing authorities you care.
And boat users, please consider how you would feel if someone kept knocking down your home and running you over in your own living room. The wild life and waterways are there for all to enjoy.
How you can help our work
We need money for drugs, research, food, medical equipment, surgery, rescuing birds and educational materials. All these are very expensive.
It is an example to us all that our founder, Dorothy Beeson, sold her house to turn this dream into a reality. The present running costs of the Sanctuary for a year are approximately £20,000. It is public donations that decide the quality of treatment we can afford to provide, and the well-being of the swans in our care.
These beautiful creatures can't fight the ravages of man on their own.
How to make your donation
Please send your name, address and cheque or postal order (in British Pounds), made payable to 'The Swan Sanctuary',to:
The Swan Sanctuary,
Field View
Pooley Green
EGHAM
Surrey
TW20 8AT.
THEY NEED YOUR HELP NOW!
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