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Tuesday, 6 December 2011




Swan nicknamed Hannibal after reign of terror

A swan in West Wales has been nicknamed Hannibal by residents of Pembroke, after a reign of terror that left 15 other birds dead and dozens injured.

Hannibal and his partner, Mrs Hannibal, have lived with their cygnet in Castle Pond by Pembroke Castle since February. So, when other swans accidentally come into their territory from the nearby Mill Pond, which is separated by a bridge and barrage, Hannibal attacks them.

Maria Evans, a volunteer bird rescuer, said: “Mrs Hannibal blocks off the escape routes while he attacks them. Then they take the baby to view the kill, while mum and dad do a triumphant, wings-up celebration.” When possible, Mrs Evans rescues attacked birds and rehabilitates them in her rescue centre. She has even applied for a licence from the Countryside Council of Wales to have the swan family removed.

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  • Bunnycat (Age 13) wrote on Thursday, 1 December 2011 @ 19:13

    Personally although it seems mean, I don't think Hannibal's family should be removed. swans are naturally very territorial birds and though it is bloodthirsty it is only nature. Certainly help the other birds by driving the swans off when caught in the act, but actually removing them could put enormous stress on the birds and they'd only do it again in a different place.