Terrified swan trapped in Doncaster canal lock gate is rescued by RSPCA

Emergency services were called out to the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal in Mexborough after reports that the bird had become trapped in the gates of Swinton Lock.

RSPCA officers and fire crews came to the rescue of the bird just off Ferry Boat Lane last Friday after a member of the public spotted the bird’s plight.

The swan had got herself stuck between the wooden slats of the lock gate and was unable to escape.

Explaining the rescue, RSPCA Inspector Sara Jordan said: “The poor swan had got herself well and truly wedged between the metal and the wood of the lock gate. Her wing was stuck between the slats and she could hardly move.

“We think perhaps she had entered another swan’s territory and had been fleeing attack when she got herself stuck.

"I couldn’t have rescued this poor bird without the help of the fire services and their technical equipment. We are extremely grateful to the fire services for helping us.

“Using their pneumatic spreader tool, we managed to create enough room for me to gently push her trapped wing backwards and ease her out.

"She was checked over at the vets who found that thankfully there were no broken bones, just some soft tissue damage.

"She is now recovering at our RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire before she will be released back into the wild.”