This swan, we were told
had been pacing for an hour, after crash landing into the new pedestrian bridge. The swan was unable to figure out a way off. The river is right there on the other side of the fencing. The lights and newness of the bridge disoriented the swan, who, as far as we could tell, though clearly exhausted and possibly scared, was unhurt.
With the help of the police officer on duty (a patient woman), the animal rescue officer (a woman new to the bridge, like the swan), and my zoo and wildlife friend (with whom I happened to be having dinner nearby that night and also wanted to walk the new bridge), a plan was hatched. We left before we could see the two officers escort the swan across the bridge and back into the water. A leap of faith here that this was accomplished. I know swans are an invasive species here and generally known for their nasty dispositions but most of us identified with the weary creature and were concerned for its safe delivery. The human heart has so much potential. When we let it soar, the fences are no longer in the way.
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