Four Arrested for Bird-Napping Large Swan in Queens

Four individuals, including a minor, were caught on video last Saturday attempting to steal a large mute swan from Frank M. Charles Memorial Park in Howard Beach. The incident has raised concerns among local activists about potential harm or death of the bird, which might have been targeted for sacrifice or as part of a prank.

Authorities say the suspects forcibly removed the female swan, which had recently raised chicks. The swan’s mate has since been observed looking distressed, and animal advocates fear the bird may have met an unfortunate fate, especially since past cases have shown swans ending up on dinner plates.

Police were able to identify the culprits thanks to video footage posted online by local resident Stephanie Santiago, showing the suspects putting the swan into a vehicle with Vermont license plates. Recognizing the vehicle at Forest Park, police officers apprehended the suspects, leading to their arrests. A local resident, Frank Kelly, who recognized the vehicle, is expected to receive a $3,000 reward, which he plans to use for a family trip to Disney World.

Wildlife rehabilitator Brina Ciaramella expressed concern that the bird was likely killed because of how aggressive and messy swans become when nervous in captivity. She emphasized the need for increased security, signage, and monitoring to prevent similar incidents, and called for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Activists suspect the theft may have been a careless prank related to the end of the school year, but fear it reflects ongoing threats to urban wildlife. Officials and advocates continue to push for more legislative protections and better park enforcement to safeguard the city’s animals.