In a tense wildlife rescue that unfolded over five hours at Queens Park, two young goslings were saved from aggressive swans thanks to the combined efforts of local volunteers and wildlife experts. The incident, which occurred on April 20th, involved multiple organisations including the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) and The Swan Sanctuary from Camberley.
The rescue operation began in the afternoon when the goslings were spotted being attacked by swans. A quick response by local volunteer Amanda and advice from East Sussex WRAS initiated the rescue efforts. The Swan Sanctuary team arrived with a plan to secure the entire geese family. Although three of the four birds were successfully captured, the male goose eluded rescue, showing aggressive behavior that volunteers described as “horrible.”
As temperatures dropped and the situation became more precarious, The Swan Sanctuary made the difficult decision to release the mother goose and take the goslings into their care, citing that the young birds would not have survived much longer in the hostile environment.
The rescue has sparked debate within the community and attracted a surge of interest in the South Coast and East Sussex Bird/Gull Volunteer Network, leading to a significant increase in membership requests. The situation was further complicated by the arrival of police at the scene, responding to disturbances including the presence of a known troublemaker, though they left shortly after being informed of the context by volunteers.
Despite the challenges, the dedicated efforts of volunteers were warmly supported by the community. Residents provided assistance to keep the rescuers warm and prevent hypothermia as they worked in cold water conditions to save the goslings.
This incident has highlighted the critical role of unpaid volunteers and underfunded charities in managing local wildlife issues, especially in areas like Queens Park where limited space can lead to conflicts among resident animals. The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of park rangers and the support needed for wildlife conservation efforts in urban parks.
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