Cilla arranges blind date for Rex the swan (From Falmouth Packet)

Cilla arranges blind date for Rex the swan

3:52pm Thursday 8th May 2008 in News By Jonathan Millar

Staff at Trevarno Gardens and Estate near Helston are hoping a blind date will mean love at first sight for one of its webbed-footed tenants.

A national appeal to find Rex the black-necked swan a partner after his former mate Rexanne was tragically killed by a fox may be about to bear fruit.

A Native of South America, black-necked swans normally mate for life unless one dies, and after a year long search a new mate has finally been found.

However, with his potential girlfriend living on the other side of the country Rex has had to pack his toothbrush and clean underwear for a trip away.

Cilla George, Trevarno's events manager, said: "After much internet searching and numerous calls to swaneries, I finally found a date for Rex.

"I know it means that he has to travel but we're all excited that he may be coming back with a new lady."

Rex is now temporarily staying at Waveney Wild Fowl, a reserve in Suffolk.

Fortunately for Rex, when Cilla called the reserve, she found they had a single female black-necked swan.

"We're all now waiting to see if cupid's magic works on the birds," said Cilla.

"When I started working at Trevarno I had no idea I would become a swan match-maker."

If the relationship does prove to be a match made in heaven, Rex will soon return to his home on Trevarno's lake with his new partner in tow.

Trevor Lay, owner of the Suffolk park, said when the swans first saw each other last week they immediately called out to one another, then met up on the lake and swam off into the sunset.

He added: "We are all hopeful things are going to work out."