Moore Park swan death: Kippax Lake tragedy leads to calls for action

A majestic swan was savaged to death at a popular eastern suburbs pond with parkgoers now calling for new protections for the local wildlife.

A black swan has been mauled by a dog while trying to protect his newly hatched cygnets at Kippax Lake in Moore Park.

Every year locals delight in seeing whether the majestic pair of swans are able to successfully nest on the specially constructed breeding pontoon.

This time, the swans successfully hatched one egg during winter followed by another three in recent weeks and people have flocked to the popular picnic spot during lockdown to admire the most recent clutch of cygnets.

However, the elation soon turned to horror when a dog, believed to be a staffy, mauled the protective father swan last week.

The Black Swan family in happier times. Image courtesy of Roshnee Cheney

The swan was rescued by WIRES but he had to be euthanized when he didn’t respond to vet treatment.

Distraught locals are calling for action to ensure the protection of the swans and urging dog owners to reconsider visiting the area with their pets off leash.

Maree Dooley-Lamb heroically tried to save the swan to no avail.

“With no warning, out of the blue this dog just launched itself at the swan,” Ms Dooley-Lamb said.

“I jumped in and grabbed the dog by the collar and then I started hitting the dog on the head with my shoe.

“It all happened so quickly. I heard a man (the dog owner) yelling out, I can’t be sure exactly what he said, but my retort would have been colourful I am sure.

“The man then tried to get the dog to unlatch from the swan. It took what seemed like forever to prise its mouth open and when he did, his hands were covered in blood.”

The swans were used to an adoring public. Image courtesy of Maree Dooley-Lamb

Local mum Roshnee Chenery arrived at the lake in the aftermath of the incident with her two children in tow.

Like Ms Dooley-Lamb, Ms Chenery believes further measures such as a fence around the lake should be provided to protect the water birds.

“There are always dogs off leash and I think some of the dog owners think it is funny because the male swan gets all fluffed up and angry,” Ms Chenery said.

“That’s bad enough to be stressing our wildlife out like that and now this happens.”

Dogs are allowed off leash in the park but owners must ensure they do not go within 10m of the lake.

WIRES spokesman John Grant said the dog was likely acting instinctually and he urged owners to keep their pets leashed in the presence of wildlife.

The proud parents with the first cygnet to hatch this season. Image courtesy of Roshnee Cheney

“The message we want to get out to everybody is we all have to live together with wildlife,” Mr Grant said.

“If people are in areas where there is wildlife, even if it is an off leash area please keep your dog in check.”

A Greater Sydney Parklands spokeswoman confirmed the incident had been reported to them and action was being taken.

“The owner of the dog is currently unknown but anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police with details,” the spokeswoman said.

“Dogs are not allowed to be off leash within 10 metres of ponds and wildlife protection areas in Centennial Parklands.

“In light of this incident we urge all dog owners using the park to ensure they are supervising their animals and complying with the park rules.

“Greater Sydney Parklands is also taking additional steps to ensure our shared spaces are safe and enjoyable for all, including our wildlife.

The mother swan is now forced to defend her cygnets alone. Image courtesy of Roshnee Cheney

“(Measures include) new signage to inform visitors that dogs must be on leash within 10m of ponds; increasing Centennial Parklands ranger patrols of the area to ensure compliance with the on-leash rule and roping off a small area near the northern boat ramp of Kippax Lake where the swans mostly feed for extra protection.”

“Our environment team will look at potential habitat improvements including an upgrade to the floating island in Kippax Lake and planter boxes for reed beds.”

If you encounter injured wildlife please call WIRES on 1300 094 737.