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**Heartless teens ruin a century-long tradition by devouring a town’s beloved mother swan and stealing her babies**

An unthinkable act of cruelty has left a town in New York State heartbroken, as three teenagers brazenly snatched a much-loved mother swan from a protected pond and brutally ate her. The barbaric act has left the swan’s mate in a widowed state, with the fate of their young hanging in the balance.

The town of Manlius has provided a sanctuary for swans since 1905. Held in high esteem, the majestic birds are a symbol of the town, featuring prominently on their insignia and website. The senseless murder of the mother swan, named Faye, and the theft of her four-week-old cygnets has shocked the community. Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall said, “The swans have been a part of this village for well over 100 years… We’re known for our swans.” Local laws strictly prohibit interfering with or removing these birds without authorization.

Eman Hussan, aged 18, along with two others aged 16 and 17, climbed the fencing surrounding the swan pond under the cover of darkness. They later claimed they were out hunting, despite the illegal nature of their vile act. Unbeknownst to them, the swans were owned by the Village of Manlius. The teens captured Faye as she nested and mercilessly held her down. After Faye met her tragic end, the remorseless perpetrators took their prize and her cygnets to the home of one of their aunts, where Faye was prepared and eaten.

Thankfully, the captured cygnets were located by the authorities and returned to the care of a village biologist. The teens were apprehended, and face charges including grand larceny and criminal trespass. Mayor Whorrall is determined not to let the horrible incident end the town’s long-standing tradition and declared that “this is not ending. We will continue to have swans and hopefully, at some point get back to normal.”

**The town of Manlius is determined to heal and continue caring for the swans after this cruel and unexpected tragedy unfolded.**

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