If our pets get sick or injured, a vet is typically just one quick car ride away. In the wild, though, fate gifts many animals with far fewer chances for survival.
Recently, though, fate played in one lucky swan’s favor. Injured and alone, this wild animal sat helpless until Richard Wiese, host of adventure show Born to Explore, crossed her path.
The adventure show host was en route to film a segment at a nearby swannery, when he found the sick swan. No stranger to interacting with wild animals, Wiese decided to aid the bird, and in return, the swan rewarded his selflessness with a beautiful gift.
Giving any animal a second chance at life is a reward-worthy act. The gratitude this swan offered Wiese in exchange for his generosity is likely a moment he will never forget.
Scroll through below to see this swan's beautiful reaction to Wiese’s kindness.
[H/T: ABC News]
Richard Wiese, host of television adventure show Born to Explore, travels the world, guided by his will for adventure and insatiable curiosity to learn more about wildlife and indigenous cultures.
On a recent trip, planned as an innocent visit to the U.K.’s Abbotsbury Swannery, Wiese came across an unexpected surprise — an injured swan in need of medical attention.
Usually, swans are not the types of animals you want to happen upon unexpectedly. They typically behave in an aggressive manner toward humans.
This particular creature, though, seemed out of sorts, so Wiese braved its potential attack to lend a helping hand.
Instinctively, the swan trusted that Wiese’s intentions were true.
Once safely nestled in Wiese’s arms, the swan wrapped its long neck around him in a pure and simple hug of gratitude.
Wiese later told ABC News, "When I put it next to me ,I could feel its heart beating and it just relaxed its neck and wrapped it around mine.
"It's a wonderful moment when an animal totally trusts you."
How exactly was Wiese able to communicate such a strong sense of security to this scared swan?
He said, "Like anything else, you have to be familiar with animals, really clued in to things like when you meet a dog you've never met."
He continued explaining that he "grabbed it, had one arm over its wings and the other at the base of its neck. I pulled it to my chest and somehow it felt comfortable or safe, and within minutes it just surrendered itself.
"It literally took its neck and wrapped it around mine.”
Though animals may not communicate their feelings to us verbally, their body language alone can often speak volumes.
Wiese recalled the moment’s powerful feeling, saying: “I could feel its chest beating against mine. To fully experience it, I felt like I wanted to close my eyes and isolate myself for the moment.
“It's a really terrific feeling when you feel that bond and mutual trust with this nonverbally communicating animal, when the animal realizes you intend it no harm."
Wiese was able to transport this injured swan to Abbotsbury Swannery, where she received the medical attention she so desperately needed.
Doctors diagnosed her with pneumonia and provided a round of antibiotics.
Though others may view all swans as aggressive fowl, Wiese shattered these preconceived notions. When tensions were high, he showed an injured swan kindness and was, in turn, gifted with nothing but gratitude.
What do you think of Wiese’s generosity? Have you ever saved an ailing animal? Tell us your story in the comments.
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