Swan Swani
Injured and unable to fly, swan "Schwani" caused a stir
A small bathing lake, an injured swan, dirty meadows because of the droppings and desperate animal lovers who wanted to keep the swan safe. Swan droppings were collected from the meadows several times a day. The gamekeeper demanded a decision as to when the swan would be removed. Gut Aiderbichl was able to take in “Schwani” and the life of the approximately two-year-old animal was saved.
For months, Schwani was carefully cared for and fed
On a freezing cold day in December, Schwani was found injured and unable to fly. Schwani recovered at the small pond on the property of his rescuer. Schwani’s health stabilised, but he will probably not be able to fly again.
However, the anxiety surrounding the swan at the pond increased. The gamekeeper wanted to know what would happen to Swani. The swan’s rescuers set off in search of a new home to avoid the worst – Schwani being killed.
Feeding swans has consequences for animals and nature
Swans like to be fed by humans, which unfortunately is not always beneficial for wild birds. Furthermore, before feeding swans at lakes, it is a good idea to enquire with the respective town or municipality whether feeding is permitted or may result in a fine.
Swans usually find enough food on their own. Swans naturally eat plants growing by the water, aquatic insects or small fish. Bread is unhealthy for swans and can lead to colic, poisoning and even death because bread and bread rolls start to ferment in the swan’s stomach.
Bread also harms the environment, as leftover baked goods that are not eaten sink to the bottom of the water. This reduces the oxygen content in the water, which in turn leads to the death of fish, aquatic plants and insects. As a result, the water body turns over.
Feeding swans should generally be avoided. Not only because it is bad for the animals and the environment, but also because the animals become accustomed to humans. If they are young, they do not learn how to find food in nature on their own due to human feeding (source: Feeding swans: what you need to know, FOCUS.de).
Is winter an exception for feeding by humans?
In the cold season, when the waters are frozen and the natural food supply for swans is limited, swans can be fed oats, barley, wheat or maize. These foods are nutritious and can be offered to both swans and ducks. In winter, carrots or apples are healthy treats for the swan when it stands in front of a frozen lake and cannot access its natural food.
Schwani's solution is Gut Aiderbichl in Carinthia
Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia is a farm where wild animals such as swans, deer and wild boar have found a protected forever home.
Markus, Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia’s estate manager, and his staff are highly trained in feeding and keeping wild animals, so it is safe to assume that Schwani will be able to lead a long, healthy and protected life without jeopardising waterways or cattle pastures.
Real strength? Standing up for the weakest.
– Unknown
From: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
Swan Schwani
Whooper-swan
Schwani – a swan that caused conflict. The plan devised by the rescuer and a bird expert was to let Schwani live at the bathing spot and continue to collect his droppings on the meadows so as not to cause miscarriages in other animals. However, hunters kept asking about Schwani's future, and there was a fear that Schwani would be shot before the next swimming season. So Plan B was to ask Gut Aiderbichl for a place for Schwani. At Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia, there is always room for a swan who just wants to live and can't pay attention to where he poops. All the best, dear Schwani!
