A swan, who had built a nest for her unhatched eggs, has died from a "broken heart" just weeks after after yobs destroyed it.
A group of teenagers were seen pelting bricks and rocks along Manchester Canal in Kearsley on May 20.
They were reportedly aiming for the island where the swan had built a nest unborn cygnets.
Sadly only three of the six survived, and wildlife activists who had been looking out for the swan said more eggs had been lost in recent weeks leaving only one left, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The wildlife activists said that her male swan had left the two week ago and hadn't come back. It's believed he had been driven away by stress.
Tragically, the female swan was found dead in her nest earlier this week.
Wildlife activist, Sam Woodrow, said: "There's not much I can say really.
"She probably died of a broken heart as she had a partner for life and he was driven away by stress."
Posting on Facebook, Michael Mason, added: "I really don't want to do this post today because it comes with great sadness.
"I have tried to keep you updated on this swan who laid six eggs, three were destroyed by youths, she has then been harassed by dogs jumping in and harassed by a duck and moor hen and two more eggs were lost leaving her with one egg.
"Her mate left her on her own and sadly I was informed this morning she was found slumped in her nest dead. I just feel like crying."
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “This is a really sad development and it is very upsetting to hear about the death of this poor swan.
“We are investigating the previous distressing incident and we would urge anyone with information to contact our appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
“Swans, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.”
