Saying goodbye to swan Zeus doesn’t sit well with Ingrid van Gelder. For 33 years the swan has been visiting her backyard where a ditch runs. Over the years they have built a close bond. Now they threaten to separate, because Van Gelder is evicted from her house.
After 33 years farewell to Zwaan Zeus – NH Nieuws
Due to a long-term financial conflict with her ex-boss, Ingrid van Gelder is in serious financial trouble. The problem has increased so much in the past ten years that she only lives on 50 euros a week and receives help to pay off debts. “It has been terrible for years and now I even have to leave my house. I really have no idea where to go,” says Van Gelder.
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In addition to the financial perils, something else serious threatens. Van Gelder has had a very special guest for 33 years. “Since the beginning, about 33 years ago, swan Zeus has been passing by here. He is like a pet to me. One has a cat, the other a dog. I have Zeus.”
Co-parenting
The close bond is also apparent because the Van Gelder is allowed to babysit the little ones of the Zeus. “I was kind of co-parenting the cygnets from Zeus. As soon as they hatch, Zeus brings the cubs here. As if he were saying, here they are, keep an eye on them.”
“I don’t think he will get used to the new residents”
It is therefore unimaginable for Ingrid if she has to leave her house and can no longer see Zeus. “I don’t think he will get used to the new residents. And when I’m gone, I will definitely continue to come by. It’s all very intense.”
Ingrid has a crowdfunding campaign called in life. Hopefully she will raise enough money to pay all costs. But Van Gelder also realizes that the swan is already quite old. “I think this is pretty much the oldest swan in the world. If he dies, that’s bad. I’d prefer to put him up then.”