Berlin police take swan into custody at Oberbaumbrücke

A video shows an unusual police operation on the Oberbaumbrücke in Berlin-Friedrichshain. A swan waddles across the footpath, where it is apparently unwelcome, while onlookers gather and some film it. Two officers approach with a blue tarp. The swan first resists with a peaceful sit-in, but officers then grab it by its long neck and, with some effort, get it into the police van. The clip ends with the swan sitting in the vehicle rather than flying off.

Police declined to comment on this specific case. A spokesman said the operation was not logged, adding that officers do not record every incident involving a swan. He explained that police are responsible for averting danger whenever road users or other people are at risk, for example if a swan suddenly runs onto the road. Officers also consider animal welfare and want to stop an animal from endangering itself, though protecting others comes first.

A similar incident happened in mid-October at the nearby Elsenbrücke, where a swan was collected and put back on the Spree. No arrest took place then. The spokesman said the Oberbaumbrücke swan was surely released too.

Online, commenters joked "Free Schwan" and said they did not understand why the bird was going to prison. Some criticized the police for struggling to catch it.