Swan ‘dies of a broken heart’ after its nest and eggs were destroyed by vandals

A swan has died after its nest and eggs were destroyed by a group of teenage boys on the Manchester Canal in Bolton.

The swan’s unborn cygnets were killed when vandals smashed up the nest with bricks and it’s believed the swan has now, unfortunately, died of a ‘broken heart’. 

The swan had six eggs and only three of them survived the attack on May 20th. Wildlife activists says the swan lost more in the weeks after the attack leaving only one. 

The male swan had left the nest around two weeks after due to the stress.

Wildlife activists have been keeping a close eye on the swans and unfortunately found the female swan dead in her nest. 

The activists told the MEN: “There’s not much I can say really.

“She probably died of a broken heart as she had a partner for life and he was driven away by stress.”

Michael Mason also took to the All About Bolton Facebook Group to write: “I really don’t want to do this post today because it comes with great sadness.

“I have tried to keep you updated on this swan who laid six eggs, three were destroyed by youths, she has then been harassed by dogs jumping in and harassed by a duck and moorhen and two more eggs were lost leaving her with one egg.

“Her mate left her on her own and sadly I was informed this morning she was found slumped in her nest dead. Just feel like crying as I have followed her progress for about 12 weeks.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “This is a really sad development and it is very upsetting to hear about the death of this poor swan.

“We are investigating the previous distressing incident and we would urge anyone with information to contact our appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

“Swans, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.”