Firefighters in Norwalk, Connecticut, went onto the Norwalk River after the department received reports of a swan stuck in the ice, an outcome that unfolded during a period of bitterly cold weather. Crews donned cold-water rescue suits and worked with ropes as they moved out onto the river on Tuesday, approaching the bird carefully.
As firefighters made their way farther onto the ice, they found the swan’s feet were frozen into the ice. The department said it took about 30 minutes to free the bird and bring it back to shore without incident.
The department said it was not immediately clear how long the swan had been stuck before it was discovered. Firefighters initially were concerned the animal may have died, but their outlook improved as they approached and saw movement.
Deputy Chief Jonathan Maggio commented on the swan’s condition after it was freed, describing the bird’s reaction. He said the swan was “just happy to be out of the ice.”
After the rescue, the Norwalk Fire Department took the swan to a veterinarian center. The department reported that the center said the swan was doing well and expected it to make a full recovery, and that once the bird regains its strength it would be properly released.
The department said the swan rescue was not its first animal rescue during the recent stretch of cold and stormy weather. Fire crews also rescued a duck and a dog, and the department said saving the swan provided an opportunity to train for future ice rescues.