Young swan rescued from weir on Mühlbach stream in Wels

The helpers then transported the swan to another point along the stream. Attentive passersby had alerted the fire department to the fact that the swan's family was probably located about 500 metres upstream. The crews did in fact find a pair of parents with four young birds nearby, the fire department reported.

Reunion with the family

On site, the rescuers released the rescued swan into the care of its family there. The youngster was reunited with its family. Passersby helped with the animal rescue and supported the crews in relocating the animal.

In total, three men from the Wels fire department were deployed. According to the crews, the operation went smoothly. After the short breather, the young swan had rejoined its parents, it was said.

Crews and helpers

The incident occurred at the weir on the Mühlbach, a smaller waterway in the urban area of Wels. Weirs regularly pose a hazard for waterbirds, as the current at such structures is particularly strong and the animals can easily be swept away.

The Wels fire department pointed out in connection with the operation that animals in distress should always be reported to the relevant emergency services. Attentive citizens are often the first to notice an animal in a difficult situation.

Note from the fire department

The fact that the young swan could be reunited with its family was regarded by the helpers as a pleasing outcome of the operation. The fact that it had already been able to save itself onto a concrete ledge also made the rescue easier.

Exactly when the small swan had got into the current initially remained unclear. The Wels fire department expressly thanked the attentive passerby who had made the emergency call, as well as the other passersby who had helped with the animal rescue.