Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A SWAN nicknamed Hannibal after he killed 15 other birds and injured dozens more has had its reign of terror cut short by an injured wing.

The bird has received a taste of his own medicine after launching yet another attack.

Hannibal made headlines around the world in September following his angry rampages on Pembroke’s Castle Pond.

Now other animals at the park have been offered a temporary reprieve thanks to Maria Evans’ Tinkers Hill sanctuary near Amroth, where Hannibal is waiting impatiently for his wing ligaments to heal.

“He is very cross and hissy,” said Miss Evans yesterday.

“But much as I hate what he has done to other swans, he is a truly magnificent specimen.”

Hannibal has lived with his mate, Mrs Hannibal, and their cygnet alone on Castle Pond since February.

When other swans accidentally end up in his territory after straying from the nearby safety of Mill Pond, which is separated by a bridge and barrage, he attacks them, the volunteer rescuer said.

“There are about 60 to 70 swans in Mill Pond and if one accidentally lands in his territory he will corner them and duck them under until they drown or get them on to a ledge and smash their feet to smithereens with his beak.

“Mrs Hannibal blocks off the escape routes while he attacks them and then they take the baby to view the kill while mum and dad do a triumphant, wings-up, celebration.

“I have been out in my boat to rescue swans while he is attacking them. I think he is an absolute terror but I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt that there could be a reason he is like this.”

Miss Evans has been awaiting permission from the Countryside Council of Wales to remove the bird so she can take blood samples to research why he is so aggressive.

And the injury, which was inflicted last Wednesday, has now offered her that chance.

“It could be the water quality in his pond, there is hardly any green food for them there. Or it could be pollution, lead poisoning, or he could have swallowed a fish hook and be in pain,” she added.