Swan couple’s unborn cygnets found decapitated at Lake Orr in Varsity Lakes

Police and wildlife officers are investigating a sickening incident in which swan eggs were allegedly stolen, boiled, and returned to a nest with unborn cygnets decapitated. WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES

Locals fear a twisted fiend is targeting wildlife in Varsity Lakes after stolen swan eggs were returned to a nest boiled and with unborn cygnets decapitated.

Police and wildlife officials are investigating the sickening discovery at Lake Orr, in which crude graffiti was also drawn on some of the eggs.

A local resident who had been monitoring the nest said the incident was the latest in a string of disturbing episodes to take place in the area.

“There was a guy taking off with an ibis the other day and there’s a magpie nest that also had their eggs missing too,” they said.

The swan eggs and a cygnet with no head. Picture: Supplied

“But this is truly disgusting – it appears the eggs had been boiled with the babies in them and their heads cut off.”

The resident said they had followed the swan couple who nested there for years.

“I’m really upset,” they said.

“Early last year their babies died because there was an overgrowth of weed. Last month the reeds were removed leaving the nest exposed to the public – I just had a feeling something like this would happen.”

Swan eggs which had been taken and returned to their nest, boiled and drawn on. Picture: Supplied

Division 11 councillor Dan Doran said he hopes police find the person responsible for the “terrible act”.

“I live on the lake and walk around it every day,” he said.

“Our community cherish our swan population and have been most upset to learn of the interference with their eggs.”

A cygnet with no head Picture: Supplied

In Queensland all native birds and their nests are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It is an offence to unlawfully disturb a nest or harm native birds, with penalties for offenders of up to $26,615.

A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Our diligent wildlife officers will investigate every report we receive, and we will pursue the strongest available action if the person or people involved are identified,” the spokesperson said.

The matter is also being investigated by police.

An RSPCA spokesperson said any person found interfering with a nest or taking or harming wildlife, may be committing an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 or the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

RSPCA urges members of the public to respect wildlife and their nests and report any animal welfare concerns.

Originally published as Swan couple’s unborn cygnets found decapitated at Lake Orr in Varsity Lakes