A wounded swan was saved 37 years ago by Recep Mirzan, 63.
In the Turkish region of Edirne, the former postman came across a bird in a field with a damaged wing while traveling with friends. Before predators attacked the unfortunate creature, Recep rushed to save it. In the evening, the swan was driven home to a farm near Karaagac by her savior.
After healing and caring for the bird, the man released it into the yard. Due to the fracture, it was no longer feasible to release it into the wild. His ward, however, did not attempt to flee. Her savior became her constant companion after she regained her strength. During the day, she followed him around the farm as he walked in the evenings. According to Recep, foxes would never eat an injured bird because he is an animal lover. During the course of their acquaintance, the guy grew quite attached to Garip, his ward.
In Turkish, this term means “strange,” but it can also mean “unlucky.” Garip was a gregarious and kind bird. It didn’t take her long to establish a rapport with cats and dogs, and she was never attacked by either. She never attempted to flee the farm, as if accepting a new fate and resigned to her situation.
In addition, she substituted the family for widower Recep, who does not have a wife or children. Agricultural life provides Garip with plenty of food. According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, swans can live for up to 30 years in a protected environment, but they live for just 12 years in the wild.
