Teenagers kill and eat swan cherished by local community in New York
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Three teenagers in New York have been arrested after being accused of killing and consuming a local swan ‘Faye’, who was highly cherished by the local community.
The female swan, her mate, and four cygnets (offspring) had been in a pond in Manlius, a Syracuse suburb. The adult swans were gifted to the community around ten years ago. The mute swans have since become the symbol of the community with swan logos featuring on its website and merchandise.
Following a Memorial Day parade, it was discovered the swan family is missing.
The disappearance of the cygnets raised concerns among locals, prompting an investigation by the police.
The Manlius Police Department revealed on Facebook that two cygnets were found at a store in Salina near the pond. It was later revealed that one of the accused teenagers was an employee at the store and admitted to abducting the swan and cygnets along with two accomplices. The other two cygnets were discovered in a private residence in Syracuse.
According to the police, Faye was killed over the weekend at the home of one of the teen’s aunt.
Sergeant Ken Hatter stated that the teenagers sneaked into the pond area at night and attacked the bird while she was nesting. After killing the swan at the pond itself, they transported it to the home of one of their relatives, where it was cooked and consumed. Sergeant Hatter clarified that the act was not driven by a lack of food but rather by the teenagers' desire to hunt what they believed to be a large duck.
"They were hunting, is what they told us. Family and friends did consume the adult swan," said Hatter. He added that the teens claimed that they believed that the swan was "just a very large duck" and did not realise that she was not a wild animal but the property of the village. They also wanted to raise the cygnets.
"Sad to say, but that’s what they did," said Mayor Paul Whorrall. Manny, the male swan, was unharmed but he will now have to be removed from the pond because he may become combative due to the loss of his mate. Whorral noted that swans mate for life.
The three suspects, aged between 16 and 18, were arrested on charges that include grand larceny, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and criminal trespass. The two underage individuals were released to their parents and received tickets to appear in court, while the 18-year-old is awaiting arraignment.
Hunting swans is legal in several US states but not in New York.
Faye’s cygnets are currently under the care of a biologist responsible for ensuring their health and well-being on behalf of the Village of Manlius. They will be returned to the pond after they recover and will be left to fend for themselves.
The village is well-known for its pond and swans. "The swans have been a part of this village for well over 100 years. We’re known for our swans," said the mayor to Associated Press.
