Bird Flu Forces Tower of London Ravens Inside

The Avian Bird Flu has forced the British Government to remove the famous ravens that live outside of the Tower of London inside where they are doing well. James Owen, a writer for National Geogprahic News, discusses the ravens in his article; Bird Flu Fears Spur Tower of London to Move Ravens Indoors.

“The famous ravens of the Tower of London have been moved indoors to protect them from the deadly strain of bird flu now threatening Britain.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, first identified in China, has reached nearby France where in the past week two dead ducks were diagnosed as carrying the virus. The British government now says that bird flu is likely to arrive in the country.

English legend says that a terrible evil will befall the kingdom if the Tower of London loses its ravens, which have lived at the landmark for more than 300 years.

The Tower’s current resident ravens—Baldrick, Branwen, Gwyllum, Hugine, Munin, and Thor—are usually seen strutting about the Tower’s green where they are popular with sightseers.

“A lot of visitors are asking where the ravens are, but when we explain the reason why they’ve been put away, they completely understand,” the raven master said.

The birds, whose wings are clipped to prevent them flying away, have been moved to aviaries in one of the royal palace’s towers.

“They’re being kept in a big airy room with lots of light and fresh air. They’re doing very well in there,” Coyle said.”