Solitary swan in Ilsenburg longs for companionship
Published on July 21, 2025, at 7:10 AM by Mein Radio. Mein Zuhause. (dpa)
In Ilsenburg, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Harz Mountains, a tale of love and loneliness unfolds around a mute swan named Paul. For five years, Paul has been swimming alone on a trout pond, following the tragic loss of his mate.
Paul, known for his adventurous spirit and occasional dominance towards people, has been a familiar figure in the town for years. However, his solitude has become a cause for concern, as animal welfare activists have long criticised the keeping of swans in Dahlen.
Meanwhile, in nearby Apolda, another swan named Phoenix faces a similar predicament. Phoenix lost his swan wife five years ago in an unfortunate incident, leaving him searching for a new love.
Swans, revered for their beauty and symbolism across cultures, are most at home in northern Germany, particularly in large bodies of water and canals. They are known for their fidelity, forming long-lasting pair bonds and displaying elaborate courtship rituals during breeding season.
Unfortunately, swans face threats from humans and their inventions, with few natural enemies. In the case of Paul and Phoenix, the loss of their mates highlights the importance of maintaining healthy swan populations and providing suitable habitats for these majestic birds.
The city of Ilsenburg is reaching out to zoos and breeders in hope of finding a female swan for Paul. The townspeople, who have grown fond of the adventurous swan, are eager to see him find companionship once more.
As for Phoenix, he continues to search for a new mate in Apolda, his small black bill marking him as a mute swan. The hope remains that he too will find love and continue the cycle of life in the tranquil waters of central Germany.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world and the creatures that inhabit it, from the majestic swans to the smallest of creatures. Let us continue to strive for a world where all creatures, great and small, can thrive in harmony.
In the hope of alleviating Paul's loneliness, the city of Ilsenburg is reaching out to home-and-garden specialists who may have experience with raising swans, as they search for a female companion for the mute swan living in a trout pond.
Meanwhile, pet owners in Apolda might consider adopting a new swan mate for Phoenix, whose search for love continues in a similar situation.
