The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is Allowing Volunteer Caretakers to Take the Palace of Fine Arts Infant Swan Babies (Cygnets) From Their Parents.
In brief:
In 2012 The Mute Swans successfully raised Six Cygnets for four months. At which time, they grew to almost adult size and in the wild it would be the natural time they would separate from their Parents, either on their own, or being run off by their Parents as they prepare for the next breeding season. Over the next couple years, Cygnets went missing, assuming by Animal or Human Predator. The past three years I have suspected the Volunteer Caretakers were taking them.
Last Monday 5.14.18 , I saw new Cygnets, only two days old. I overheard one of the Volunteers hatching a plan with the Gardener to "Net" the Babies, Stealing them from their Parents. I contacted the SF Rec and Park. After getting the run around, and none of my calls returned, the Rec and Park Representative in charge of making these decisions, Connie Chan, emailed me citing "aggression by the male" as reason for allowing the removal. This is untrue. I replied noting that aggression only happened when the Volunteers left two adult size Cygnets on the Lake in 2012. They were later removed. I also noted that I spoke with the Volunteer and was point blank told she was "taking the Babies so they don't get eaten by Raccoons". Connie Chan refuses to comment on this contradiction.
These Swans, while hatched domestic, were purchased to live on the Palace of Fine Arts Lagoon as Wild Animals. Of course I do not want them to have to tend with Animal Predators, but taking their Babies on a preemptive hypothetical situation, is Cruel. Either way, they will go through trauma. They should be allowed to do the best they can to take care of their Babies during Natural Course.
In full, you can read my blog post ... http://savesfpalaceswans.blogspot.com/2018/05/swan-babies-are-being-taken-from-their.html
I have also made a Video that confirms the Volunteers intention to Take these Babies From Their Parents. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIHJvzn8q4g
Thank you for your interest. Please Share.
You can also email SF Rec and Park Rep ... connie.chan@sfgov.org
