Swan stolen from SCW golf course

One of Sun City West's resident black swans was taken from its enclosure this weekend and it could be facing deadly consequences.

Louise, an Australian black swan that has been living on Lake No. 5 at Desert Trails Golf Course, was reported missing Sunday. The bird is recuperating from a serious illness caused by an intestinal virus, and was only recently put back on the lake after being cared for by two of the Recreation Centers' swan volunteers. Those volunteers join staff members in asking for the bird's return, warning she will likely die if not cared for properly.

"Please just put Louise back in her enclosure, no questions asked," said Jackie Van Ogtrop, Wildlife Services Coordinator. "Please bring her back so we can start taking care of her again."

Volunteers Jeanne Moore and Connie Erwig have been nursing Louise back to health with the help of a local veterinarian. The bird had a serious virus and is still being tube-fed. The volunteers took turns keeping the swan at their homes, even allowing her to stay in one of their bathtubs as she recuperated.

Since being returned to Desert Trails, Louise had been kept in an enclosure at the lake. There were no signs of a coyote attack or other wildlife encounter that could account for her disappearance. She and her mate, George, were purchased last year to add to the Recreation Centers' wildlife. They were the first Australian black swans at the Association's golf courses, and they were named by residents in a contest that drew more than a hundred enthusiastic responses. Homeowners happily welcomed the swans as they have the many other white swans already living at the courses.

This is not the first time someone has tried to take a swan from the Association golf courses. In January, someone attempted to take one of the white swans at Deer Valley Golf Course, but that swan, an aggressive bird named "Billy," fought off his attacker and escaped unharmed.

Anyone with information on the black swan should contact Wildlife Services Coordinator Jackie Van Ogtrop at 623-544-6145.