Wildlife Welfare

Wild Whooper Swan Winter Welfare

The welfare needs of whooper swans wintering in the UK and Ireland from Iceland and Scandinavia.

Key Facts

Whooper swans migrate thousands of kilometres to UK wintering grounds - a physiologically demanding journey
Wetland draining and agricultural intensification have reduced quality wintering habitat
Swans that cannot regain condition on poor-quality wintering grounds face reduced survival and reproduction
Lead poisoning from anglers' weights and shotgun pellets remains a significant welfare and mortality issue

Welfare Considerations

Whooper swans face welfare challenges throughout their annual cycle - arduous migration, competition for feeding sites, and lead poisoning risk. Protecting high-quality wintering habitats and eliminating lead contamination are the most impactful welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation and management that benefits wintering wildfowl
Advocate for complete phase-out of lead ammunition and anglers' weights
Visit designated whooper swan wintering sites at a respectful distance