Picture: Ian Burt.

But the swan didn’t live up to his name and was good as gold

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A swan dubbed Mr Asbo because of his aggressive behaviour did not live up to his name when he was nursed by the RSPCA before being released back to his home last week.

The swan, from the Fen Ditton area of Cambridgehshire, was taken to the East Winch Wildlife Centre near King’s Lynn around five weeks ago, after a wound was spotted on his left foot.

Vets at the centre examined him and it was clear he had a deep wound which was infected.

He was given a prolonged course of antibiotics and painkillers at high doses and had regular x-rays to assess the infection in his injured toe.

Once his wound had healed he had daily physiotherapy in a shallow pool to help build his fitness levels.

When he regained his strength and was deemed fit and healthy, he was moved to a swan pool with other swans and plans were made for his release back into the River Cam at Fen Ditton.

Alison Charles, centre manager, said: “We are so pleased that we have been able to rehabilitate this swan back to full health and return him back to the water where he belongs.

“It was so nice to see him swim off and join his mate and one of his remaining cygnets, and I just hope that he is able to carry on as normal without any disturbance.

“He was as good as gold when he was with us and never once showed any aggressive behaviour, he is just a lovely, normal swan.

“Unfortunately the area where he lives is quite busy so there are lots of people coming and going, so it is only natural that he acts defensive to protect his family and his territory.

“We are just very pleased that this is a happy ending and we are delighted that our perseverance to nurse him back to health paid off.”