VIDEO: Swan back in the wild after crashing into Rotherham roundabout
A SWAN which crash-landed on a town centre busy roundabout thought the road was a river, the RSPCA believes.
The stricken bird was found injured at St Ann’s during morning rush hour on June 13 and rescued by animal collection officer Katie Hetherington.
The RSPCA said motorists were swerving to avoid the swan until a member of the public helped it to the side of the road and rang them.
Katie said: “It was really concerning when I first saw the swan as he couldn’t stand, so I was worried he had a broken pelvis.
“However the x-ray revealed he had no broken bones. He just needed some rest and time to get his strength back.
“We have dealt with a number of similar incidents in the past in this area of Rotherham. We believe when the road is wet some swans flying over mistake it for a river and go down to land.”
The injured bird was taken to Peak Vets, Woodseats, and then to the RSPCA’s Bawtry centre for a few days’ rest before being released back into the River Don.
Katie said: “I was so relieved that after a few days he was able to be released back into his home environment.
“It’s always so rewarding to rescue an animal, see it nursed back to health and then return it into the wild and I am grateful to the member of the public who initially helped the swan and then contacted us.”
Having oxygen before being x-rayed