Video of heartwarming moment when two Toronto swans reunite after injury goes viral

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Posted By: jasabacklink April 8, 2024

Trumpeter swans “Mango and Charlotte” were reunited after Mango had suffered a cut on his beak and was taken in by the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC).

It all started last Monday, when the swans were discovered by Ann Brokelman, a TWC Volunteer, at Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough. Ann became concerned when she noticed one of the swans—Mango—with blood on his feathers. As a long-time volunteer, she knew he needed immediate help and contacted TWC’s Rescue Team.⁠

At the shore’s edge, another team member, Sarrah, spotted Mango out on the water with his head tucked beneath his wing. He eventually swam toward a shallow bay area, and Sarrah lured him close enough to catch him with a net and rush him to the TWC. ⁠

Although the blood appeared concerning, the source was only a small cut on his beak that was thoroughly cleaned and treated. In their Instagram post detailing the incident, the TWC notes that the same swan had been admitted in December, needing urgent care after his beak and tongue had become bound by a fishing line. ⁠

This time, the blood had affected the waterproofing of his feathers (waterbirds like ducks and swans need to preen themselves frequently to maintain the waterproofing of their feathers, allowing them to fly as well as swim). After a few days of supportive care from the rehab team, who ensured Mango was preening properly so his waterproofing could be restored, he was ready to go back into the wild.

Back at Bluffer’s Park, the TWC filmed the special moment when Mango was released. As a staff member opened the kennel door to let Mango out, they all witnessed the most heartwarming display—Mango and Charlotte simultaneously flapped toward each other, honking in delight. As Trumpeter swans are named for their loud honking calls, they were living up to their namesake.

“It was like a magical romance moment from the movies,” Brokelman recounted when seeing the swan mates reunite after days of being apart. “It was so beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like that in the last 12 years!” ⁠

The mating dance continued for at least 10 minutes before the swans were ushered into the water, where they continued preening each other’s feathers. The tender moment captured hearts across social media:

Every year, the TWC admits animals that have been injured by discarded fishing equipment. Hooks can get embedded in the animal’s beak, tongue, throat, feet, wings, or digestive tract, leading to infections, injuries,  impeded mobility, or even deadly lead poisoning.