Ask the Swan Specialist

In the popular Swans feeding the Koi fish video what is going on?
By:Dora <dora_panteli@hotmail.com>
Date: 1 December 2015

Hello >\-| Ive included the link of the video which created so much online debate.. I feel that the explanation given to the whole thing isnt good enough.. Below I'm listening 2 popular beliefs about swans and what I know so far which I wonder if its right or wrong.. Excuse me for the length -:|

1) " Swans need water to feed so they can't help it and the koi fish are taking advantage of that " :?
I disagree cause I've fed lettuce and fruits to swans (and peacocks) as a kid and they'd eat off my hands without using water.. (I live in Greece by the sea and the swans were at a park in autumn/winter time, no water around during their feeding)
Also I think the swans which can be very aggressive are fully capable of reacting if those fishes are eating all their food. Actually I think that they're kind about it/dont bother cause they lose very few food in the process but that leads us to popular argument no2:

2) " Generosity and sharing are human characteristics. Swans like all animals are incapable of any sort of thinking process or emotions which would result in any sort of unselfish behavior. They act as they're programmed to by evolution" note: The book "the selfish gene" was mentioned too.
I disagree cause I believe in researches that claim that birds (esp. parrots, swans, voltures and other "bigger birds") do exhibit sophisticated behaviors.. Im not sure if people forget that animals can exhibit grief and other emotions (there're various stories) or whether people think this's a privilege of the mammals.. I dont see why birds should be any less and btw here's a lovely video I found that made me impression (parrot feeding dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk_JvKP0BFI

I've come to think that the majority of people out there consider swans and other birds "less than a dog" which leads to some not minding if they injure them or kill them.. I look forward to hear Your reply on both subjects <:d Thank you

Messages In This Thread

In the popular Swans feeding the Koi fish video what is going on? -- Dora -- 1 December 2015
Re: In the popular Swans feeding the Koi fish video what is going on? -- Dora -- 6 December 2015
Re: In the popular Swans feeding the Koi fish video what is going on? -- The Regal Swan -- 7 December 2015
Re: In the popular Swans feeding the Koi fish video what is going on? -- The Regal Swan Foundation -- 2 December 2015