Raven mad: Tower of London’s birds ‘went feral’ with no visitors in lockdown | London Evening Standard
The Tower of London’s ravens “went a bit feral” during lockdown without any visitors, its deputy governor said.
Commander Debra Whittingham said the birds pestered staff for scraps because the rubbish bins were empty.
Staff became worried at one point when two of the seven-strong flock started venturing outside castle walls to forage.
According to legend, if fewer than six ravens guard the tower, “country and crown would fall”.
Mrs Whittingham said: “The ravens went a bit feral after a while because no one was around. They didn’t have bins to empty and couldn’t get treats from the visitors. They were busy looking for what they could steal off us. We’ve reopened now and would encourage visitors to return. We, and I include the ravens, need them.”
The Tower of London’s ravens “went a bit feral” during lockdown without any visitors, its deputy governor said.
Commander Debra Whittingham said the birds pestered staff for scraps because the rubbish bins were empty.
Staff became worried at one point when two of the seven-strong flock started venturing outside castle walls to forage.
According to legend, if fewer than six ravens guard the tower, “country and crown would fall”.
Mrs Whittingham said: “The ravens went a bit feral after a while because no one was around. They didn’t have bins to empty and couldn’t get treats from the visitors. They were busy looking for what they could steal off us. We’ve reopened now and would encourage visitors to return. We, and I include the ravens, need them.”
