'Cruel Human' Black Ink Smeared on UK 'Baekjo' Swan... Unable to Flap Wings

The white feathers of the swan were stained black due to the trash discarded by humans. Photo by Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Soyoung] A swan suffered a horrific fate, turning from white to black due to trash discarded by humans. This black substance stained the swan's white feathers and even its beak.

The swan, now a 'black swan' covered in a foul-smelling substance, struggled by flapping its wings to remove the material but was unable to do so. It also could not eat properly, putting its life at risk.

On the 17th (local time), according to British media outlets BBC and ITV, a white-feathered swan covered in ink that someone improperly disposed of was mistaken for a 'Black Swan.'

This black swan, found in a pond in Westbury, Wiltshire, UK, was black all over its body and beak except for the tips of its wings. It continuously tried to wipe something off its body and had difficulty eating.

Animal protection organization staff revealed that this black swan was actually a white-feathered swan. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which rescued the swan, suspects the substance to be black toner (powdered ink) used in printers.

The white feathers, which should have been glossy, were covered with black foreign material due to trash carelessly dumped into the pond by someone.

Experts expressed concern that if the foreign material is not quickly removed from the swan's body, the natural waterproofing ability of the feathers will deteriorate, potentially causing hypothermia.

Steph Daly, an investigator from the organization, said, "At first, I was shocked, thinking it was a black swan," adding, "Despite several washes, the feathers stained black have not returned to their original color," expressing regret.

Additionally, the organization expressed concern about the swan's mate, which left the area covered in the same substance, appealing, "If anyone sees a bird with a black appearance, please contact us."

Environmental authorities have launched an investigation, suspecting that someone may have deliberately dumped toner into the pond.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.