Swan Rescued From Frozen Norwalk River Returns Home, Fire Department Awarded By PETA

NORWALK, CT — A swan that was rescued by firefighters earlier this month after getting stuck in the icy waters of the Norwalk River was released back into the water Wednesday.

A video posted to Facebook by Stamford-based Tailors Wildlife Rescue Group Inc. and shared by the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital showed the swan being taken out of a pet carrier and carried back into the river by a Norwalk Animal Control officer.

In a video update on the swan's condition posted Friday, the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital said the injured swan was found in distress and brought to their facility for evaluation and care.

Hospital officials also noted the swan was stable and being closely monitored by their medical team.

"While we are encouraged that the patient is stable, we do have concerns about potential underlying issues that may have contributed to the swan getting stuck in the ice," the hospital wrote on Facebook. "Further diagnostics and supportive care are underway to better assess the full extent of the swan's condition. Today the swan is swimming, and stretching its legs!"

On Feb. 3, Norwalk Fire Department Chief Edward McCabe said in a news release crews were called to the Wall Street Bridge after receiving a report of a swan frozen in the icy waters of the river.

According to McCabe, firefighters donned cold water rescue suits and carefully entered the river to reach the animal.

Crews then safely freed the swan from the surrounding ice and brought the animal to shore without incident, McCabe said.

"This incident highlights the department's all-hazards readiness and commitment to protecting both residents and wildlife in the community," McCabe said in a news release.

In a Facebook post later that day, the fire department said veterinary staff reported the swan was doing well and was expected to make a full recovery.

"Once it regains its strength, the swan will be properly released," the department wrote on Facebook.

Animal rights organization PETA announced in a news release late last week it had awarded the Norwalk Fire Department its Compassionate Fire Department Award "in recognition of their quick actions and determination in rescuing a swan whose feet were frozen solid into the ice on the Norwalk River below the Wall Street Bridge on Feb. 3."

The organization also noted it will send a framed certificate to the department along with some vegan chocolates.

"This swan was facing an agonizingly painful and slow death, but is now safe thanks to the heroic actions and resourcefulness of the Norwalk Fire Department," PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a news release. "PETA encourages everyone to follow these rescuers' example by never hesitating to help an animal in danger."