Trumpeter Swan

Did you know?
that in the 19th and early 20th century the trumpeter swan was hunted almost to extinction? Between 1820 and 1880, one single company placed 108'000 skins on the market. In 1933 it was estimated that only 66 trumpeter swans were left. Thanks to strict protection the species was able to recover.

Photo Copyright by
U.S. National Park Service

Why do zoos keep this animal

Zoos keep trumpteer swans primarily for educational purposes, because they are the largest of all anseriform species, and because of their history of near-extinction. as the trumpeter swan is a very attractive sopecies, it is also a good ambassador for wetland conservation.

How this animal should be kept

Unless a lot of space is available allowing the birds to disperse, pairs should be separated during the breeding season in an enclosure or aviary with a recommended land surface of 200 m² and a water surface of 80 m². For the rest of the year, the swans may be kept in larger social groups. If kept in multispecies waterfowl exhibits, the species should be selected in a way to avoid hybridisation. Note that WAZA has adopted the policy of outphasing pinioning, and that several countries prohibit the use of surgical methods for flight restraint.

Trumpeter swans need access to grass for food. Supplementary feeding, in the form of pellets can be a substitute in the winter months, when grass levels are low. All food stored must be kept in a dry condition. If it becomes damp it should not be used. It is important that the food fed is fresh. If food is fed into water, only as much as will be readily eaten should be given. All feed containers in pens should be cleaned regularly. Grit should be available on a regular basis, and additional limestone grit should be fed on available annually, just prior to the egg-laying season.