A Tragic End for East River’s Beloved Swans
The story of the swan couple from East River has taken a heartbreaking turn.
It appears that a person, referred to as a “Rotbert,” may have brutally killed one half of this beloved duo, raising concerns for the surviving swan bride, who is known to mate for life.
The swan, named Swanee, was euthanized late last month after veterinarians concluded that it had suffered severe and irreversible head trauma, according to animal experts.
Rossana Ceruzzi, founder of the Wildlife Freedom Foundation on Roosevelt Island, expressed concern about the remaining swan, Odette. “It’s painful, it really is. Right now I’m very worried about Odette since she’s alone,” Ceruzzi mentioned. “It’s really sad because they mate for life, and she’s been gone for a few days.”
The two swans had made Hallett Cove Beach their home, drawing neighbors and enthusiasts who often brought them treats and recorded their outings. They were particularly known for their charming swims to Roosevelt Island for “date night.”
However, on Thanksgiving Day, a concerned individual alerted Ceruzzi about a sick bird found on a shore in Long Island City. After contacting the city’s parks department, Swanee was urgently taken to the Queens Animal Shelter the following day, where emergency veterinary staff found him alive but in poor condition.
Officials stated that Swanee had sand stuck in its mouth and elsewhere, indicating it might have fallen and remained unable to recover for some time. The bird was in a weakened state and showed signs of serious injury, which led to a recommendation for humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
The identity of the person responsible for this incident remains unknown, and it’s unclear if a formal investigation has been initiated. Witnesses have reported seeing groups of teenagers throwing rocks at the swans in the past, including during Swanee’s last moments.
Experts have indicated that the injuries sustained by Swanee suggest deliberate harm rather than an accident. Ceruzzi theorized that the attack could have been initiated by someone cruel, likening it to the villain Rothbart from “Swan Lake.” “Believe it or not, swans aren’t loved by everyone in New York,” she remarked. “I think this was a teenager or someone disturbed.” She noted that, at the time of the attack, the swans were likely resting on the beach, making them easy targets.
Tragically, Swanee and Odette had only recently been reunited after a previous separation due to other injuries. Earlier this year, Swanee had been rescued after getting tangled in a net, injuring both its wing and leg. Ceruzzi facilitated the rescue with the help of FDNY marine operations, and after spending months in rehabilitation, Swanee finally returned to Odette in August.
Since Swanee’s death, Odette has noticeably disappeared from their shared home in Queens. It’s believed she might be too heartbroken to revisit the location alone. Ceruzzi commented, “They’ve been grieving for a long time, so it’s likely she’s just wandering away from it. I don’t even know if she’ll ever go back. It’s incredibly sad.”
