London fears for famous birds
2006-02-21 14:53
London - The Tower of London, home to
Britain's Crown Jewels, has put its famous ravens into indoor
aviaries to protect them from bird flu.
A spokesperson for the fortress, a former prison on the banks
of the River Thames, said on Tuesday the six black birds had
been moved from lawns outside the 11th century castle into
specially built cages in one of its towers.
"Although we don't like having to bring the Tower ravens
inside, we believe it is the safest thing to do for their own
protection, given the speed that the virus is moving across
Europe," said Raven Master Derrick Coyle.
"We are taking advice on the vaccinations against avian flu,
and in the meantime, we will continue to give our six ravens as
much care and attention as they need," he added.
Bird flu cases have been reported across Europe this month,
marking a sudden resurgence of the deadly H5N1 influenza virus,
which scientists fear could trigger a pandemic if it mutates and
jumps from person to person.
Many of the outbreaks have involved wild birds and the World
Health Organisation says migratory fowl are believed to be one
way the virus is spreading.
Legend has it that the ravens must stay at the Tower of
London or the castle and the Kingdom will fall, so they are
protected by a special decree issued in the 17th century by
Charles II.
Notoriously unfriendly, the birds - Branwen, Hugine, Munin,
Gwyllum, Thor and Baldrick - have their wings clipped so that
they cannot fly away.