Gay Swans in Austria Attack to Defend Their Adopted Baby

While nobody drowned, numerous bathers and people simply strolling beside the lake are reported to have suffered attacks – and some of them were serious.

Several swimmers in fact required hospitalisation, with one of them receiving a deep flesh wound to the head courtesy of the protective parents.

"We had to act urgently," Steinegger told the Daily Mail. "But I simply didn't have the heart to have the two swans killed by a hunter."

Luckily, the mayor found animal wildlife expert Alexander Groder, who with his wife runs a wildlife sanctuary specialising in difficult animal rescue situations.

Groder and his wife were able to remove the swans from the lake, and has transported them to a special pond without boundaries in the state of Tyrol in Austria's west.

As for the exact circumstances of the pair's relationship, it's difficult to be certain – as it is with many cases of animal homosexuality – but Groder at least has some ideas about where the physical aggression could be stemming from.

"It may be two male swans living in a relationship," Groder told The OÖNachrichten.

"But one of them is strongly suppressed by the other, and I could imagine that the aggression comes from there as well."

It's not known whether the plastic cup will be making the trip with them, but in light of all the drama caused – and how committed these would-be parents are to protecting their unlikely offspring – we at least hope the family finds some well-deserved peace and quiet in their new home.

PETER DOCKRILL

Science Alert