Graham Porter removes a treble hook from a cygnet's throat in St Ives

Graham Porter of The Waterfowl Sanctuary removed a treble hook from a cygnet's throat in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, England.

"A poor cygnet with a treble hook in his neck this morning in the beautiful town of St Ives," the charity posted.

Callers flagged the bird at the popular visitor spot, and a gathering of onlookers formed when the rescuers arrived. The post continued, "I do this work frequently unfortunately and so am very familiar with what to expect. Don't try this at home folks."

Based in Godmanchester, the sanctuary has x-ray at its hospital so any doubtful case can return for a scan, and sometimes surgery. It said, "This one was lucky and the hook came out without concern and the swallowed line lifted relatively easily so he could be returned to his family."

"Please consider a monthly donation to keep this charity proactive and capable and enable us to grow," it added, with details at www.thewaterfowlsanctuary.co.uk. The YouTube video "I removed this from the swan's throat," published October 25, 2026, has more than 12 million views and 252,000 likes.