Divorce on swan lake?
Bewick's swans form famously loyal partnerships during their lifetimes and will mate for life where they can. Divorce is exceptionally rare in this species. In over 4,000 pairs studied at Slimbridge during 40 years of study, only one pair have separated after being together for some years.
However, two particular individuals this winter are bucking the trend as we have watched a second divorce unfold in front of our eyes! The individuals in question are called Sarindi and Saruni. Sarindi (ringed BBZ) flew into Slimbridge this autumn without mate of two years Saruni (ringed 525). Sarindi was with a new partner named Sarind and we could only assume that something untoward had happened to Saruni. We were therefore very surprised to see Saruni arrive several weeks later with new mate Sarune!
After observing them for a while, we are confident that both have formed new partnerships. Needless to say, Saruni and Sarindi have not been seen associating with each other this winter! Poor breeding success could be a possible reason behind such a separation although we will never know for sure!
