Stop panicking everyone.

If you’ve paid a recent visit to The Lough, you might have noticed something unusual — the mysterious disappearance of its iconic black swan.

But before you sound the alarm bells, Cork City’s Parks, Sport, and Recreation Department has some reassuring news about our feathered friend.

It turns out that the elusive black swan had a little mishap, a leg situation to be precise. Injured and in need of some expert care, the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) came to the rescue.

With some swan physiotherapy on the cards (yes, that’s a thing, or at least it should be), our beloved swan is getting top-notch treatment.

The prognosis is looking optimistic, and our feathered friend is expected to make a full recovery and be back home in less than two weeks.

For those not well-versed in the world of these captivating creatures, let’s dive into a quick lesson of Black Swan 101.

Scientifically known as Cygnus atratus, the strikingly beautiful black swan hails from Australia and has dark plumage and a pop of colour thanks to a red beak tipped with white (Cork colours of course).

You’ll find them in lakes, rivers, estuaries, and just about any calm, shallow waters that offer good snacking opportunities. Hence The Lough is such a great home.

As we eagerly await the return of our temporarily grounded black swan, keep your eyes peeled when you visit The Lough and tag us at @YayCork when you spot our resilient friend back in action.