Rescuers rushed to save a young swan in agony with a huge fishing hook stuck in its beak.
It is thought the poor bird had been unable to feed for days.
As well as the triple-barbed hook, it had swallowed some fishing line too.
The distressing incident happened at Stowe House, Buckinghamshire, on Friday (14 November).
The swan was eventually helped by rescuers from MK Swan Rescue CIC, Milton Keynes.
“We were called in by National Trust staff after a member of the public reported the distressed cygnet on their estate,” a spokesperson told Need To Know.
“The swans there are completely wild and not used to people in the slightest.
“And even though this youngster was clearly in agony, it wanted nothing to do with us.
“Getting anywhere near it was a mission.
The staff were amazing and were very concerned about the poor bird and did everything possible to help get it sorted.
“With their help and using their heavy maintenance rowing boat, we slowly and calmly guided the entire swan family around an island and under a small wooden bridge.
“From there, I managed to grab the cygnet and deal with the mess of tackle.
“It was grim.
“A double, treble barbed hook with one hook hanging loose.
“The other buried in the tongue, and a long length of line running down into the throat.
“This had been causing pain for days.
“The difference the moment it came out was huge.
“As soon as the tackle was removed, you could see the relief in him.
“Once released, he went straight back to his family looking far brighter.
“Our rescue work depends on public support.
“They make it possible for us to respond when swans need us most.”
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