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yesterday

2025 Swan Upping Census Underway on Thames as 16 Young Swans Counted

The centuries-old royal census combines medieval ceremony with health checks to monitor mute swan populations along an 80-mile stretch of the Thames.

Swan uppers release mute swans back into the River Thames after checks, during the ancient tradition of Swan Upping, the annual census of the mute swan population on the River Thames in London, Monday, July 14, 2025.(AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
Swan uppers check mute swans during the ancient tradition of Swan Upping, the annual census of the mute swan population on the River Thames in London, Monday, July 14, 2025.(AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
Swan uppers hold mute swans during the ancient tradition of Swan Upping, the annual census of the mute swan population on the River Thames in London, Monday, July 14, 2025.(AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
The Sovereign's Swan Marker, David Barber, is seen during the ancient tradition of Swan Upping, the annual census of the mute swan population on the River Thames in London, Monday, July 14, 2025.(AP Photo/Thomas Krych)

Overview

  • The 2025 Swan Upping commenced July 14 and will continue through July 18 from Sunbury to Abingdon on the River Thames.
  • Led by King’s Swan Marker David Barber, teams of oarsmen don medieval livery to surround, mark and health-check swan families.
  • After recent avian flu outbreaks that cut cygnet numbers by 45%, the first day tally of 16 young swans offers cautious hope for recovery.
  • The tradition stems from a 12th-century royal right granting the monarch ownership of mute swans in open waters.
  • Data collected informs conservation strategies by tracking threats ranging from disease and pollution to vandalism and cruelty.