Dr David Elliot checks Lucky’s wound with wildlife carer Kim O’Connor. 78140 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
A SWAN that has been affectionately dubbed ‘Lucky’ for narrowly escaping certain death after being shot by an archer’s arrow, will be released back into the wild this week.
The black swan was found last week with the arrow still in its wing at Kororoit Creek in Altona North.
Wildlife rescuer Kim O’Connor said she would like to see the attacker brought to justice for the “senseless act”.
She suggested, if caught, the attacker should be forced to do community service with wildlife rescuers to see how much work actually goes into nursing wildlife back to health.
Last Friday Dr David Elliot from Hobsons Bay Veterinary Clinic was pleased with Lucky’s progress.
“It’s a remarkably clean wound – he’s very lucky,” he said.
Dr Elliot believes if the wound had hit one of the bones in the wing or the body of the swan he more than certainly would have died or have to be euthanased.
Ms O’Connor said she was looking forward to returning Lucky to the wild and to his partner.
“She is probably very distressed without him.”
The attack follows a number of recent incidents involving swans in Hobsons Bay.
As reported by Star previously, a juvenile black swan was found with a fishing hook embedded in its head in January.
Wildlife rescuers found the swan at the Williamstown swan pond with fishing line hanging out of its mouth and the fishing hook in its head.
This swan was also extremely lucky and was released back to the wild.
If you find wildlife injured or sick call BADGER Wildlife rescue group on 1300 223 427.
