Saviour of swans reminds community that everything's connected.

Donna Lewis has cared for trumpeter swans near Aurora for nearly 20 years and recently captured an injured cygnet with angel wing syndrome; she says human actions often cause the condition.

Donna Lewis stands at the edge of the Aurora Community Arboretum watching trumpeter swans she has followed for nearly 20 years. She is a board member of Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario, president of Garden Aurora, and works with local partners on outreach. Last fall she captured an injured cygnet with angel wing syndrome and helped get it to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge. Lewis speaks about how everyday human actions affect the birds and their habitat. What we know: - Donna Lewis has observed and worked with trumpeter swans in Aurora for nearly 20 years. - She serves on the board of Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario and is president of Garden Aurora. - Last fall she captured a cygnet suffering from angel wing syndrome; the bird was taken to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge and another damaged cygnet went to Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary near Ottawa for use as educational animals. - Lewis reports that angel wing is often linked to human feeding and poor nutrition, and she says she does not encourage feeding swans. - She also notes injuries and deaths this year tied to fishing line entanglement and lead poisoning from lost weights. - The volunteer-run Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario has launched a 2026 trumpeter swan calendar that can be ordered via the group's Facebook page. Summary: The rescue and care of injured cygnets highlights ongoing human pressures on local swan populations and the role that volunteers play in response. Volunteers and partner sanctuaries continue outreach and rehabilitation work, and the conservation group has released a 2026 calendar as part of its public-facing efforts.