Swan Song

City admits mistakes in swan death

·                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Jeff Outhit, Record staff

·                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Tue Sep 25 2012 08:10:00

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                                           Cathy Lumb, who lives near Victoria Park, checks on the lone swan left after another swan died reently.

 Photo Philip Walker/Record Staff

KITCHENER — City hall admits it messed up when a swan died at Victoria Park in Kitchener.The city’s mistake was failing to respond quickly to an after-hours telephone call from a distressed bystander who watched the bird fade on Sept. 14. City staff misunderstood the call and did not grasp that the city-owned swan was near death, councillors were told Monday.

City staff also thought the humane society would respond. The humane society thought city hall would respond. “It was a terrible thing to happen,” said Greg Hummel, manager of park operations. In response:

• City hall has clarified protocols with the humane society so both will respond in the future.

• City staff will get more training on handling swans and swans will be examined more frequently to assess their health.

• Council will donate $500 to a wildlife rescue service that assisted with the dying swan after being contacted by a citizen.

“I am very pleased,” Carol Esposti said. She telephoned the city when the swan was dying and was dismayed when help did not come in time. “It can only help make things better in the future.”

Taxpayers will pay for a swan autopsy costing up to $1,500. The male bird was underweight but the cause of death is not yet known. The remaining male swan has been examined and is healthy and “quite feisty,” Hummel said.

The city is looking to replace the swan but it won’t happen until next spring, assuming the birds get along.

jouthit@therecord.com

Source: This article appeared in the September 25th, 2012 edition of the Waterloo Region Record