After weeks apart, two swan partners, were finally reunited. Immediately upon being released into the water by animal rescuers, the recovering female swan headed straight to her partner, highlighting the strength of the emotions birds can have for one another.

Three weeks prior to this moment, the female swan had fallen ill from botulism, a type of food poisoning, and she had been barely able to lift her head.

The swan was released on September 6 by Roland van Goch, a volunteer at Dierenbescherming, an animal rescue group in the Netherlands.

Swans are typically bonded for life once they’ve courted. Watch this touching video to witness the reunion of two lifelong partners!