Two weeks ago I found a tiny mute swan cygnet. It was alone and extremely weak, curled together on a field next to the ocean. No sign of any other swans around. I took it home, got it to eat - and now he happily lives in our garden by day, and in a box inside at night. Loves to cuddle.

I am going to leave for studies in august, and I know of a nice park area that wants a swan. I am scared though, will he be able to survive alone that early? He is still only covered in down. I guess he is 3-4 weeks old.

Other questions: The cygnet is pretty lazy, is that normal? He can swim around a little, but prefers to sit still and groom itself for hours. He also has a horrible balance, and only walks a few steps. Can I exercise him?

He has a problem with one of his eyes, but it is getting better since we started giving him eye drops. Could this be a reason for him to be abandoned? I thought mute swans were super protective, what could have happened?

Will he be able to socialize with other swans? Can he be bullied or attacked by other swans as he is smaller? When can a cygnet survive alone? Am I doing anything that sounds wrong?

I'd love answers and advice on what to do. It is not allowed in my country to care for wild animals, so I can't get profesional without risking fines. Hope you can help me.

Greetings from Scandinavia!