Tower of London raven presumed dead after multi-week absence

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The Tower of London said one of its ravens is feared dead. bringing it closer to a legend that would indicate the fall of the kingdom.

In a Twitter post, the Tower of London said that a raven named Merlina, known as the "Queen of the Tower Ravens," has not been seen at there for several weeks.

"Her continued absence indicates to us that she may have sadly passed away," the tower said.

"Though it isn't unusual for our ravens to roam outside the walls, free-spirited Merlina has previously always returned to the Tower and to the Ravenmaster and his team, with whom she shared a wonderfully close bond."

A legend about the Tower of London, dating to Charles II states that if the tower has fewer than six ravens, the kingdom will be doomed.

Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife said seven ravens remain at the tower, as well as a spare bird.

"We don't have any immediate plans to fill Merlina's vacancy. However in time we hope that a new chick from our breeding program will be up to the formidable challenge of continuing her legacy," the tower said.