A Norwalk deputy fire chief, Jonathan Maggio, shared in an interview that when he first spotted a swan trapped on the frozen Connecticut river, motionless with its head tucked into its wings, he feared they were too late to save it. Despite uncertainty about how long the swan had been stuck, onlookers and reporters believed it was lifeless. Nevertheless, Maggio emphasized the importance of attempting a rescue, stating they could not leave the swan without trying to give it a chance at survival.
The rescue team’s spirits were lifted when the swan raised its head as they approached on the ice, bringing hope to the situation. Maggio described the heartwarming moment when bystanders began applauding in response to the swan’s reaction.
The incident unfolded last Thursday when Maggio received reports of a swan stranded in the frozen Norwalk River. Although Maggio had participated in numerous rescues during his career, this was his first involving a swan. The male swan had sought refuge under a bridge, away from the freezing waters, only to find himself trapped as the ice surrounded him.
A joint effort involving 23 individuals from the fire department and a wildlife rescue group successfully freed the swan after a 30-minute operation. The rescuers approached the swan with care, reassuring him of their intent to help, which quickly put the swan at ease. Following the rescue, the swan, now dubbed Clancey, was wrapped in blankets, freed from the ice, and transported to a veterinary center for treatment.
Upon arrival at the VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, Clancey was described as “cold-stunned” and dehydrated. The dedicated staff worked diligently to melt the ice from his feathers, warm his body, and provide necessary fluids. Clancey is currently recovering at the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
For Maggio, with three decades of rescue experience, the successful swan rescue marked a significant moment in his career. He expressed pride in the teamwork that led to Clancey’s safe retrieval, emphasizing the satisfaction of a job well done in saving the swan’s life.