Several stranded eels have been rescued from the drained pond at Cooper Park in Elgin, with improvement works temporarily paused until they can be relocated.
The rescue took place yesterday (Tuesday, April 7) after the council was alerted. The eels were recovered from the mud and placed into buckets of water, although the total number rescued is not yet known.
A number of eels were recovered from the now-drained Cooper Park pond in Elgin. Picture: Jasperimage.
The pond has been partially drained as part of a wider programme of works aimed at revitalising Cooper Park.
The project, which began earlier this year, includes vegetation management to enhance biodiversity, improve sightlines, and the felling of some trees.
Moray Council said the works are aimed at improving the “long-term health of the pond and the wildlife that depends on it,” rather than cosmetic upgrades.
Improvement works at Cooper Park Pond have been paused until the eels can be relocated. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
A Moray Council spokesperson said:
“The Council was notified by the project’s Ecological Clark of Works working with us on this project, who identified the eels in the Pond.
“All works that could adversely impact the eels have been stopped until the eels can be relocated, we’re providing resource to support this.”
Concern about the pond’s condition increased following the death of a swan last month. The Scottish SPCA was called to the park on Friday, March 20, after reports of a female swan becoming stuck in mud as water levels dropped.
It is understood that work in the area was temporarily paused to allow for checks for wildlife, including eels, before continuing.
The pond is expected to be refilled in June.
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