Two of the Tower of London’s ravens that, according to legend, protect it from collapse have been killed by a fox.
Two of the Tower of London’s ravens that, according to legend, protect it from collapse have been killed by a fox.
Their names were Jubilee and Gripp, and their passing in May for a time left only six ravens, the minimum required to keep the monarchy, the kingdom, and the tower itself from tumbling into ruin.
The practice dates back to the mid 1600s and the reign of King Charles II, who commanded their presence in an effort to ward off a prophecy.
Worry not, the deceased pair was swiftly replaced by a duo with the same names.
Also, the Historic Royal Palaces organization announced recently that it will soon begin installing a more secure environment for the birds.
The wings of the birds living at the tower are clipped, rendering them unable to fly significant distances and making them easy prey for predators.
Typically, the grounds are checked for potential dangers, and animals that pose a threat to the birds’ livelihoods are swiftly relocated.
According to the people in charge of the Tower’s ravens, their deaths are uncommon, but they usually keep 8 of them in residence just in case.
