A secret crow-culling operation at the Tower of London is under way to ensure the continuation of the British monarchy, it has been revealed.
Legend has it the presence of ravens at the tower safeguards the Crown; if the birds ever leave, the monarchy will fall.
But their future -- and perhaps that of the Royal family -- is being threatened by the carrion crow.
The scavengers have become so numerous, the tower's raven master has begun a secret operation against them, with as many as 12 crows per week being shot from tree branches around the tower.
The operation, disclosed to the Independent newspaper under the Freedom of Information Act, takes place on Sunday mornings before tourists arrive.
Both birds feed on meat and the crows are said to be competing with the six ravens.
Branwen, Hugine, Munin, Gwyllum, Bran and Cedric live a life of luxury at the tower, sleeping at night in their own raven hotel and eating fresh meat bought each morning from markets.
According to legend, Charles II decreed there must always be at least six ravens at the Tower to assure the future of the Crown.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
