The Animal Rescue League brought the swan to New England Wildlife Center’s hospital, where he is making progress, Newton Patch’s Jenna Fisher reports.
PATIENT UPDATE: Swan brought to New England Wildlife Center's hospital by @ARLBostonRescue from #Newton is making progress. He had lead poisoning and could barely stand. Chelation therapy removed toxic levels of lead and he's steadier on his feet #wildlife #rescue pic.twitter.com/AVXTOOYe9c
— NE Wildlife Center (@NE_Wildlife) December 28, 2017
Which swan is that? More importantly, is where he lives contaminated with lead?
Most common sources of lead poisoning in wildlife is from ammunition and lead fishing sinkers. Lead shot used by waterfowl hunters was phased out in 1991, but it should be extended to all ammunition and fishing gear. Recently, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued an order overturning a ban on the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands.