Stratford-upon-Avon’s Reggie the black swan, once a charming sight for residents and visitors, has been evicted from his newfound home due to disruptive behavior towards the town’s native mute swan population. Initially welcomed as a striking addition to the local wildlife, Reggie’s interactions with the other swans took a dark turn as he began intimidating males, disturbing established couples, and displaying violent behavior, including attempts to drown his fellow swans.
The town’s volunteer swan warden, Cyril Bennis, dubbed Reggie as “Mr. Terminator” for his aggressive actions. With mute swans being a protected species in the U.K. and under Crown ownership, Reggie’s attempts to mate with them posed a threat to the ecological balance and warranted intervention. After consultations with the Crown’s representative, Bennis successfully captured Reggie and arranged for his relocation to the Dawlish Waterfowl Centre in Devon, England, where he will join a thriving black swan community.
Despite the necessity of the eviction, Bennis faces public scrutiny for removing the popular black swan. He recounts being questioned by concerned locals, especially children, about his decision to relocate Reggie. Assuring that Reggie will not return, Bennis reflects on the lessons learned from this experience and the inevitable departure of transient black swans from the town’s ecosystem.