Forest Cemetery Property Target Of Vandals

Pictured here is the second swan to be found with an adhesive like substance applied to its bill in just a few short weeks.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Another swan at Forest Cemetery was found this week, struggling to survive with what appears to be some sort of adhesive sprayed on its bill area.

The adhesive makes it difficult for the birds to eat, and to breathe, causing other problems, and necessitating veterinary care in order to save the birds.

Mark Walker, who takes care of the facilities at Forest Cemetery, said he was alerted by a walker that there may be an issue with some birds at the pond.

When Walker arrived at the pond located within Forest Cemetery, he discovered that the second swan was now struggling, “and it ended up having the same symptoms,” said Walker of the sickened swan. The adhesive like substance was covering the nose, and eyes as well, of the swan.

“It [adhesive substance] was on a few of the other birds too,” added Walker.

Just weeks before, the other swan had suffered what appeared to be adhesive on its bill. The bird needed veterinary care in order to recover, because it was struggling to breath.

“We must have caught it a little sooner this time,” says Walker.

The swan was then released back onto the pond Wednesday night after being tended to by Mahaska Veterinary Clinic.

All of the recent vandalism at the cemetery has gotten some local residents frustrated, and wanting to help raise funds to install cameras and other services at the pond.

Kelli Steil is one of those who has been out front in helping to raise funds and awareness for the cemetery in order to help secure the location, and its birds.

Help has been starting to come in, as the local group The Golden Goose Club has designed the project as one they will be helping with. Local businesses, like Legacy Real Estate Group, have been stepping up to donate to the purchase and installation of the camera system.

The cost is estimated to be around $70,000. A GoFundMe page has been set up for those who choose to donate that way, or there are donation points around Oskaloosa, including Mahaska Drug, On the Green, Hy-Vee, and Breadeaux.

You can also mail or deliver a donation to the cemetery association itself. Their address is 634 North 9th St., Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577.