New relationship still going strong for divorced swan

A Bewick's Swan that famously divorced her mate has returned for the second year running with her new partner. Sarindi landed back at Slimbridge Wetland Centre with Sarind last week [18th November].

Swans mate for life, but last winter the couple of Sarindi and Saruni shocked researchers by returning to the Centre with new partners. The pair of Bewick's Swans had been together for two years but failed to rear any offspring, so experts at the Centre believed this may have been a possible reason for the divorce. They wasted no time finding new mates and acted indifferently towards their former partners on the lake.

Sarindi and Sarind arriving back at Slimbridge together (photo: James Lee).

Julia Newth, Wildlife Health Research Officer, said: "Fortunately for Sarindi's second mate Sarind, another divorce does not look on the cards yet and both are happily settling in for their second winter together. Perhaps they are learning some lessons from recent arrivals Teapot and Teabag, who have faithfully been together for 15 years."

Teabag and Teapot were also among the new arrivals this week. The female Teabag has been spending her winters on the Rushy Lake since 1994 and in 1996 arrived with her new mate Teapot. Since then the pair have raised 14 cygnets, many of whom have been given tea-themed names such as Caddy, Chai and Teacake.

Nineteen Bewick's swans have arrived at the Centre over the past two days, increasing the reserve count to 23. Visitors can see them at the wild bird feed each day at 4pm.