The Western Advocate reported yesterday that the swans’ welfare was under review by WIRES Central West, National Parks and Wildlife and Bathurst Regional Council.

Mr Mjadwesch said he contacted council a “number of years ago” about the birds’ welfare but “nothing was done”.

He said swans are natural foragers and Lake Spencer’s small size does not provide an adequate ecology for them to live a healthy life.

The lack of reeds and native grasses means the swans do not get the essential vitamins and nutrients they require.

“Their bones don’t develop because there’s no calcium ... every cygnet that’s been born has died,” he said.

“One of the two [remaining swans] is missing an eye.”

He said the two adult swans still living in Machattie Park are trapped inside the lake enclosure as they cannot get enough of a “run up” to become airborne and clear the fence.

“They need a long run up to fly out,” he said.

“They need to be taken out of there and put into somewhere where they can be cared for and fed up and put them on a good diet.”

He did acknowledge concerns by some Advocate readers on Facebook yesterday that the birds should not be moved and are part of the park’s features.

“I’m really sure if they looked at their feelings towards it, most people would be inclined towards kindness [to the swans],” he said.

The swans have long featured in the park’s Lake Spencer, but a council spokesperson said earlier this week that the birds’ care does not fall under council’s responsibility.

“As the swans are not council’s and are classified as wild animals, the issue is being handled by WIRES and it is an issue centred on the welfare of the birds,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Mjadwesch suggested Taronga Western Plains Zoo would be an appropriate new home because there are swans already at the zoo and it has veterinary care available.

Bathurst Regional Council was contacted in relation to Mr Mjadwesch’s specific concerns, however, council was unable to provide a response before deadline.