Three teenagers have been charged in New York on suspicion of stealing a much-loved swan and its cygnets — and then eating the mother bird.
It has been reported the teenagers, aged 16, 17 and 18, allegedly took the swan called Faye and her babies from Manlius, a village in the Syracuse part of the state, where hunting swans is illegal.
The birds went missing on Monday and while Faye was killed, the motherless cygnets have been found safe and well.
Faye’s mate Manny, the father of the cygnets, has been pictured swimming alone. The pair had been known at the pond for more than a decade and were said to be popular with locals.
Manlius Police Department said the group was charged with felonies of grand larceny and criminal mischief, as well as misdemeanour charges of conspiracy and criminal trespassing.
The group was able to capture the swan and cygnets while they were nesting, Global News reported on Friday.
“[They were] hunting in the middle of the night,” police chief Ken Hatter said in a press conference.
He added that Faye was killed during the capture and was taken to a house to be cooked.
“Family and friends consumed the adult swan. Sad to say, but that’s what they did.”
The three teenagers were all released after their charge as proceedings continue.
Reports added that the young swans were also taken by the group. Two of the cygnets were said to be found in a nearby shop and another two were picked up in a private residence.
They are now in the care of a local biologist. It is yet to be decided whether they will be reunited with Manny, who may still be in grief at losing his mate.
Manny could become “combative”, said Manlius mayor Paul Whorrall. Swans have been swimming in the area since 1905.
