We're not sure that the parents can recognize them unless they were with the young for several days or weeks prior to their removal. However, the parents are curious and may adopt them regardless once they are released. Just keep the cygnets in the pen for a couple of days to a week or week and a half. Look for any signs of aggression.

The greatest point would be if you get near the pen and the parents try to prevent your nearing the cygnets. This would show that they are looking after the cygnets. Just make sure that once you release them, you have a boat/kayak/canoe at the ready in the event that the parents start chasing or develop aggressive behavior toward the cygnets. Please let us know how this progresses. The Regal Swan
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