26/02/2026
UPDATE: Thank you for all the support - please know we are working closely with the Wardens and the Visitor Services Team at Windsor Great Park who are taking the matter seriously.
Yesterday, we were called to Virginia Water following a devastating incident in which one of the resident black swans was attacked by a dog.
Despite every effort to get the swan urgent veterinary care, the injuries were catastrophic following a savage attack and, heartbreakingly, they passed away on the way to the vets.
What makes this even harder to accept is that the dog’s owner placed the dog back on a lead and left the scene without reporting what had happened. That is simply not good enough. Incidents like this must be taken seriously.
A description of the owner and dog has been widely shared and reported to Surrey Police We understand that at least two witnesses filmed the incident. If you have any footage or information, please send it directly to the police quoting reference SYP-20260225-0573.
We are asking - once again - please keep dogs under close control, and on leads around wildlife. This swan was not causing harm. They were in their home. The pair had been a familiar and much-loved sight, settled at Virginia Water for some time.
Now one swan remains -
alone. Swans form strong bonds, and the loss of a partner is significant. It is deeply upsetting, and it was entirely preventable.
At the moment, many swans are resting on the banks to avoid the fast-flowing waters. This makes them especially vulnerable. We all share a duty of care to protect the wildlife that calls these places home.
We are sharing a photo of this beautiful swan in happier times. There is already enough distress in the world, and we would never wish to share the traumatic scenes we witnessed yesterday.
Please - let’s do better. For them. 💔