swans had been killed outright but the x-rays showed that two of them had been shot three times before dying. We contacted the press to try and get the story out so that we could appeal for any information people may have had on who had done such a horrendous act.
Secret World was amazed at the response to this terrible incident of the shooting of swans on the moors. Sadly a further 35 dead swans were found over the next two weeks but most had their heads missing. It was therefore impossible to tell if they had been shot but the very fact that these birds were found in multiples rules out natural deaths and any disease would have meant that they would not have all died at the same time.
There was a huge outcry and an incredible reward totalling £26,000 was offered for anyone giving information that resulted in the successful prosecution of the person who carried out the killing of the swans. Some of those who offered money as a reward wish to remain anonymous but Sir Terry Pratchett offered £10,000 of this amount and Animal Friends Insurance offered £5,000. The police and RSPCA carried out a full investigation but were slow in acting. We passed all the information we received to them but sadly no-one has been prosecuted.
The only positives that came out of this horrible act were that the killing of the swans stopped and the surviving swan recovered; we named her Solo and she was finally released on to a private lake with a male in residence. Our thanks to all who offered to pledge money towards the reward, which sadly was never needed.
Opening of the Jasmine Room On May 20th the “Jasmine Room”
was opened by Sir Terry Pratchett who we made contact with after the swan shooting.
The bird room that we created last year, after we were lucky enough to be left a legacy and receive help from our supporters when we sent out an appeal, was officially named the “Jasmine Room” in memory of Jasmine Clare; a young girl who sadly died from meningitis last year. Secret World was one of her favourite places and we were so pleased that her parents, siblings and family were able to come for the event and enjoy a tour around our centre. We were honoured to have the Mayor of Burnham on Sea, Mr Michael Clarke and his wife Maria officiating the opening too.
On cutting the ribbon, Sir Terence stated that the £10,000 that he had pledged for a reward to find out who shot the swans on the moors, would now go to Secret World and because he had been amazed by the work done at our centre, he would be sending a further £10,000. This was tremendous news for us and also acknowledged all the hard work that our staff and volunteers carry out every day.
We would all like to thank Sir Terence for his amazing generosity.
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