Watch: Swan Saved by Firefighters After Days in Ice Finally Returns Home

A swan rescued from a frozen river after days trapped in ice is finally back home after its icy ordeal. Last week, an animal rescuer from Animal Nation spotted the bird stuck in the frozen ice of the Norwalk River in Connecticut. The Good Samaritan alerted Tailors Wildlife Rescue Group, who in turn contacted the Norwalk Fire Department for help.

It would prove to be an intense rescue. Fire Chief Jonathan Maggio wasn’t sure the swan was alive when they first arrived, but when it opened its eyes, the team continued with the rescue, which took two hours and involved chainsawing through the ice.

Given how stuck the swam was, firefighters estimate that the swan may have been stuck in the ice for several days!

Once they freed the bird, they placed it in a stretcher and loaded it into an emergency vehicle bound for the VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, where it received critical care. The next day, after the swan had stabilized, Tailors Wildlife Rescue Group transported the bird to Norwalk Veterinary Hospital, where its health continued to be evaluated and treated.

Finally, eight days after the rescue, the swan was strong enough to be released back into the wild and cameras were on hand when the bird successfully returned home.

The swan’s amazing recovery is a testament to the power of community effort and compassionate care.

Story update: The same swan has been rescued again two days later. The swan is healthy and will be fine and is staying at the vet hospital until the weather warms up.

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