A black swan found with an arrow through its neck on the Avon River in Christchurch has sparked outrage and a community rescue effort.
The bird, later named Benny, was first seen near the Christchurch rowing clubs with the arrow lodged in its neck on Saturday.
The incident has been described as a shocking act of cruelty, prompting urgent calls for accountability and public support.
Danette Wereta, General Secretary of the Animal Justice Party and an experienced wildlife rescuer, led the response.
She coordinated a search with Lil Quaks Refuge, a Christchurch-based sanctuary for wild and domestic birds, along with a network of volunteers.
“It’s quite a mission,” Wereta said. “People had to leave work and cancel plans. It takes hours to search the river and plan a safe capture. While it’s deeply disappointing that someone could do this, it’s also heartening to see how many people dropped everything to help.”
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Volunteers spent several days walking the riverbanks, and even members of the local rowing club joined in, helping to shepherd the swan to shore.
Benny was eventually captured by Lil Quaks Refuge and Jess, a trained bird rescuer and Animal Justice Party volunteer.
He was immediately taken to the South Island Wildlife Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition is still serious.
“He has a long road to recovery,” Wereta said. “His partner is still out there waiting for him. Swans form deep bonds and often mate for life. The separation is heartbreaking.”
Both Lil Quaks Refuge and the Wildlife Hospital are calling for donations to help cover the cost of Benny’s care and to support other birds in need.
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“Even a small donation makes a difference,” Wereta said. “Right now, we urgently need the public’s support. These organisations run entirely on donations, there is no funding. Every dollar helps cover food, medication, surgery, and transport. Without public help, they simply can’t respond to emergencies like this.”
Police have been notified, and the Animal Justice Party is working closely with authorities. Wereta said good leads have already come through.
“This is a serious offence under the Animal Welfare Act, and we won’t let it go. There are very serious consequences for harming wildlife. We will continue to follow up, and many eyes in the community are now on alert.”
Deliberately harming a swan is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act and Wildlife Act, with penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
