Tower of London: 'Adventurous' ravens have their wings clipped

Chris Skaife holds Branwen the "adventurous" raven

Two of the Tower of London's more "adventurous" ravens have had their wings clipped to stop them from escaping.

Ravenmaster Chris Skaife usually clips just one wing to protect them from busy traffic.

But Jubilee and Branwen have had both clipped to prevent "upward and rapid flight" to the top of the White Tower.

The measure was taken after they were released from their enclosures following the avian flu epidemic.

Rob Fuller, chief yeoman warder of the Tower of London, said: "The ravens are part of the Tower community and we take our responsibility for their welfare very seriously.

"We regularly consult veterinarians to ensure they get the best possible care.

"The majority of our ravens were bred and raised at the Tower and have not lived in the wild.

"For their safety, we trim one of their wings, to encourage them to stay at the Tower, where we can look after them and feed them a varied diet."

The Tower usually keeps at least six ravens and, according to legend, if they ever leave then both the fortress and the kingdom will fall.

Jubilee was presented to Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Branwen was born at the Tower during lockdown.

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