Swans are graceful and gorgeous creatures. They also happen to have protection in the United Kingdom, interestingly enough. Why are swans protected there, anyway? And does the Queen own all the swans? Yes, she actually owns any mute swans that are unclaimed in both Wales and England. If you come across that type of swan in open water in either nation, the Queen is the owner.
Why Are Swans Protected?
Swans have been protected in the United Kingdom for a long time. Swans used to be consumed as deluxe delicacies at events in the nation. The monarch gave ownership rights to lucky and rare individuals at that time. Swans nowadays, though, aren’t eaten much. People who killed or hurt these birds experienced serious consequences centuries ago. People who stole the eggs of swans even received prison sentences.
How Are Swans Protected?
Swans have rock-solid protection in the United Kingdom. If an individual harms a swan, he or she may experience prosecution. Swans that were owned by the monarchy used to have distinctive markings located on their beaks. That no longer is the case, though. If you encounter a mute swan that’s devoid of any markings on the Thames these days, then you should assume that the Queen is the owner of the animal.
Note that swan killing in the past was classified as being a crime that was against the monarchy. That’s why it was thought to be treason. Things have changed since that time, however. Hurting a swan in the United Kingdom is just a standard crime nowadays. That’s how it’s been since the end of the nineties.
While it’s not high treason, it’s a crime that may lead to significant punishment. People who commit this crime may have to deal with fines. They may have to fork over a maximum of 5,000 GBP.
Although the Queen has owned mute swans since all the way back in the 1100s, it’s critical to note that she only actively owns the birds that are located in sections of the River Thames and some of its existing tributaries. Who else has rights over these swans in the United Kingdom?
The Dyers’ Company and The Vintners Company are the two other owners. They’re a couple of prominent livery businesses that are headquartered in London, England.
Swan Varieties
People should not assume that the Queen owns every single swan in the United Kingdom. While she owns a substantial portion of the nation’s mute swans, she does not own swans that are tame. She does not own wild swans such as Bewick’s swans and whoopers.
A Look at Swan Upping
The well-known Swan Upping ceremony takes place on an annual basis. The two previously mentioned companies and the monarchy organize the ceremony. The aim behind this is to mark and document any swans that are in the region. Swan Upping happens in July. Once the ceremony’s team members gather and ring the mute swans they find, they let them go back into open water again.
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