Investigation under way after alleged swan death on same day as Western Springs park attack

The man appears to grab the swan near the water’s edge as witnesses looked on from across the lake. Photo / Lydia Gillies, Geoff Shepherd

• A second investigation is under way following the alleged swan death at an Auckland beach on the same day as a Western Springs attack.
• The Ministry for Primary Industries says the initial investigation remains ongoing.
• Black swans are a native species partially protected under the Wildlife Act 1953.

An investigation is under way following an alleged second swan death at an Auckland beach on the same day a bird was attacked at Western Springs Park.

In February, a man was photographed attacking and stealing a black swan from the park.

Photographer Lydia Gillies and her partner, Geoff Shepherd, were at the park photographing birds about 7.15am when they noticed a man squatting by the water.

Initially, they assumed the man was simply ignoring the Auckland Council’s warnings against feeding the birds.

“Then [Shepherd] goes, ‘I think he’s just grabbed that swan around the head’.”

Gillies said the man punched the bird in the head several times before stuffing it into a duffel bag.

Now, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says it is investigating another alleged swan death at an Auckland Beach on the same day.

The Herald has sought further details about the latest incident, including which beach it happened at, and whether the two incidents are believed linked.

MPI Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance Auckland district manager Cody Taylor said the ministry was still investigating the February Western Springs attack.

“Given it’s an active investigation, we cannot comment further,” he said.

“The MPI-led investigation is supported by the Department of Conservation (DoC), New Zealand Police and Auckland Council.

“MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who has credible information about this matter to confidentially contact MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.”

A man was seen luring a swan with food at Western Springs Park before allegedly attacking and capturing it. Photo / Lydia Gillies, Geoff Shepherd

A DoC spokesperson said the organisation was aware of the investigation but could not provide further comment.

According to the department, black swans are a native species partially protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and can be legally hunted in a restricted season, and within the regulations managed by Fish & Game New Zealand.

The penalty for killing protected wildlife is up to two years in prison or a fine of up to $100,000.

David Williams is an Auckland-based multimedia journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.