Eight large ravens still lived in the historic fort on the banks of the Thames, where the coronation jewels are stored. In addition to Merlina, Poppy, Erin, Jubilee, Rocky, Harris, Gripp and Georgie.
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According to one of the legends, the fortress and the kingdom will collapse and the earth will be thrown into chaos if all the ravens leave the Tower. King Charles II therefore, in 1630, by decree, he ordered that at least six of these black birds be kept in the Tower. Their wings are cut off so that they cannot go too far, and so that the prophecy will not come true.
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We have some really unhappy news to share. Our much-loved raven Merlina has not been seen at the Tower for several weeks, and her continued absence indicates to us that she may have sadly passed away. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/ccwCIBfdlT
— The Tower of London (@TowerOfLondon) January 13, 2021
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Seven crickets
In recent years, Skaife has kept eight birds instead of the required six in the event of the death of one of the ravens. After Merlina’s disappearance, Tower will guard seven of them.
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“Merlina was undoubtedly the ruler of the flock, the queen of the tower ravens,” said a fortress spokesman. According to him, her longer absence suggests that “unfortunately she probably ended up”.
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“I know many of you will be saddened by this news. No one is more sorry than I am. Excuse my absence for a few days, “said the ranger guard Skaife on the social network.
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They don’t want to look for a replacement for Merlina in the Tower now. In time, however, some of the young from the local breeding program could take her place.
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