User:Swannutter/Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline ... Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding area. Originally known as Save Our Swans (SOS), it was founded in 1984 by a small group that had already long been involved with swan rescue and treatment. Swans are protected birds under the Act for Swans 1576.

Beginnings Average lifespan of swans on the Thames in the 1980s was 2 years 8 months. About 200 swans left on the Thames in the early eighties, due to loss of habitat and specifically lead poisoning. Private members bill put through Parliament to ban the use of majority of lead weights. Lifespan is now about 6 years 8 months. Naturally they can live to over 20. In 1992 Eton College offered us the lease of Cuckoo Weir Island free of charge. The following year, after building a treatment centre and outside pens, Swan Lifeline moved in.

The work of Swan Lifeline is possible only through generous donations and other support from the general public, our sponsors, trustees and volunteers.

So far, Swan Lifeline have rescued and treated more than 20,000 swans.