NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) – A ‘happy ending’ ensues as efforts to reunite a local family of Swans in New Bethlehem PA (located along the Redbank Creek) concluded with a heart-shaped swan dance.

New Bethlehem Swans Reunited (Photo courtesy of Scott Lawrence)

As a follow-up to our recent article regarding efforts to reunite the New Bethlehem Swans, RedbankValley.org is proud to report the swan family has been reunited successfully. A special thanks to Suzan & Terry Noerr as well as Scott Lawrence and John Heilman for their rescue efforts.

New Bethlehem Swans Reunited (Photo courtesy of Patty Kline)

New Bethlehem resident Patty Kline shared; “Dad had gone back to the water before she arrived. It didn’t take him long to get back out of the water when he had seen her. They waddled towards each other and made their noises, then their mating dance. You could see the heart shape when their necks intertwine. They sure missed each other. Then mama showed her baby some attention and love. Aww, it’s so nice to have the family reunited.”

The New Bethlehem community had purchased a mated pair of Muted Swans nearly three (3) years ago. The swans lived on the Redbank Creek and could often be seen behind the VFW and around Gumtown Park.

Due to recent weather conditions, specifically with ice melting and the Redbank Creek flooding, the two adult swans washed over the New Bethlehem Dam and floated downstream.

In February of this year, Ms. Patrice Walborn, a resident of Cowansville PA posted a photograph of a Mute Swan on social media.

Swans Reunited – New Bethlehem PA (Photo courtesy of Scott Lawrence)

Residents had later discovered the swan Ms. Walborn’s photographed was in fact New Bethlehem’s missing swan.

Terry Noerr, Scott Lawrence and John Heilman organized efforts to safely transport “Minnie” safely back to her home along the Redbank Creek in New Bethlehem where her mate and baby anxiously awaited.

Scott Lawrence shared, “John (Heilman) provided the boat and was endless throughout the course of the day to make sure that ‘Minnie’ was put on the boat. Without his help and his strategy behind the wheel of the boat, this very possibly wouldn’t have happened.”

Once ‘Minnie’ arrived back home, her family was overjoyed to greet her. Once swans mate, they mate for life. Separation of two mated swans can often lead to one or both swans experiencing a premature death, due to a broken heart.

Folks were overjoyed to see the Swan family reunited, and witness their rekindled love and happiness. Residents throughout the New Bethlehem area and Redbank Valley community enjoy admiring these beautiful creatures – a testimony to God’s wondrous kingdom.

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*Photo slideshow  courtesy of Patty Kline & Scott Lawrence