Brooklyn’s Swan Story Takes a Positive Turn

There’s a bit of good news from Brooklyn’s Swan Lake. Two young swans in Prospect Park, who faced a tough time after an alleged dog attack and a troubling relationship with their father, are doing much better now, thanks to a dedicated group of animal enthusiasts.

The cygnets, named Plankton and Wachowski, are being cared for by the “Swan Squad,” a team of volunteers committed to looking after them until they can fend for themselves. They were recently released into Prospect Park Lake after spending a month being rehabilitated.

According to Barry Beth Ertz, the founder of the Swan Squad, “We’re there every day, watching them closely. They’re regaining their strength, and it’s only a matter of time before they’re ready to take off.” This group, started a few years ago to protect a previous swan family, has kept a close eye on the pair since their release.

Having been hand-fed and cared for at the Wild Bird Foundation’s rehabilitation facility, the swans were understandably a bit anxious about reconnecting with the wild. Yet, their longing for their family was palpable.

But things took a sharp turn once they returned. Biggie, their father, saw them as intruders rather than his own offspring, leading to a concerning encounter. Ertz noted, “At first, we held onto hope… but then Biggie swam fast and flared up his wings, swiftly steering us away. That’s when we realized, things could get risky.”

This reaction, while disheartening, was anticipated. After spending a considerable time apart, it seemed that Biggie no longer recognized them. The Swan Squad responded by relocating the swans to a safer area on the lake, away from their aggressive father.

The volunteers take turns monitoring and feeding the cygnets, ensuring that both Biggie and park visitors maintain a safe distance. Their commitment to this task will continue until Plankton and Wachowski can fly away independently.

Looking ahead, it’s projected that the pair will be able to fly in a matter of weeks. Typically, cygnets stay with their parents for about a year before being nudged out of the nest as the parents prepare for new offspring.

Even amidst the challenges, the Swan Squad remains hopeful. “They have each other, which is a good thing. If something were to happen to one, being alone would make it even tougher,” Ertz said. Their journey has been remarkable, especially when reflecting on how they were rescued a month prior.

Upon rescuing them, it was discovered that the cygnets had suffered significant injuries, believed to be from an off-leash dog. Both were found in alarming condition, with one needing stitches and another facing a serious eye infection.

The rehabilitation was intensive. A spokesperson from the Wild Bird Foundation mentioned, “These injuries required daily attention, including cleaning, monitoring for infection, and even resuturing. They also need to regain their waterproofing abilities before being released, so time is pressing.”

It sounds like Plankton and Wachowski are on the right track. Their resilience is a testament to the care they’ve received, and it seems they may soon join the waters they know so well.