Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Captive swans
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 9 June 2012
In Response To: Captive swans (Melinda)

Hi Melinda:

We are not sure about the size of the habitat as we have never been to the hotel. With this said, if the swans are properly cared (i.e., supplementally fed, provided ample water to swim, veterinary medical care, etc.) then the swans are probably not detrimentally harmed. Most people do not realize that a swan is a very lazy bird. Once it is in a captive setting, i.e., fed, provided ample shelter from predators and inclement weather, it is a very lazy and does not really care about anything else except bathing, eating, preening, sitting and watching the world go by.

As long as they are not inhumanely treated, or neglected, a captive swan in such a setting will usually be rather happy and healthy. Some people may not believe or agree with this statement. But, believe us when we state that we have seen captive and wild swans in city parks, golf courses, wild habitats and private ponds which have large areas to swim, preen and nest but the swans are neglected with little to no food or protection from predators or inclement weather, no access to veterinary care and basically, a leave them alone attitude and if something happens to them, oh well, we'll get more.

If there were children taunting the swans, then we would hope that hotel staff would have immediately intervened and warned the instigators that this was unacceptable behavior. As long as the swans are well cared for and protected from inappropriate behavior by the usual inconsiderate or ignorant human element, they should be fine. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Captive swans -- Melinda -- 9 June 2012
Re: Captive swans -- The Regal Swan -- 9 June 2012
Re: Captive swans -- Melinda -- 9 June 2012
Re: Captive swans -- The Regal Swan -- 10 June 2012