Good ole' Fairy Liquid, 'for hands that do dishes' or in this case... swans! The swan had arrived at Stapeley covered in some unknown greasy substance that would have diminished its natural waterproofing. A thorough soapy rinse was now needed to stimulate its own oils and waterproofing. I was then decked out in my wellies, apron, gloves and sexy plastic trousers; I looked like I was ready to head out to sea on a fishing trawler!
So began a lesson in appropriate restraining technique, correct method of washing, and identification of the primary, secondary, scapular and auxiliary feathers... the swan is now cleaner, brighter and with restored natural waterproofing! It won't be long before he is returned to the wild after his short visit to Stapeley.
Sponsors of Stapeley's summer assistant position
What excellent work I am just so sad about the irony that you use the example of fairy liquid or do you actually use it? It is produced by Procter and Gamble who test their products on animals.
ReplyDeletePlease contact the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection)or see their website www.gocrueltyfree.org so that you and everyone at Stapeley Grange, family, friends and visitors only purchase non-animal tested products. THANK YOU from the animals hideously tested on in laboratories.
Many thanks for your concern. We do, where possible, source all the products we use responsibly and to ensure that they have been not been tested on animals. In this case the Fairy Liquid was donated, allowing us to use our resources to help the animals. We will certainly look at the website you kindly have provided a link for, regards.
ReplyDelete