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Unsung Hero Revives Trumpeter Swans From Extinction
1 Jun
Summary
- An 83-year-old woman dedicated over 40 years to saving trumpeter swans.
- Trumpeter swans were once near extinction, with only 69 left in 1932.
- Her efforts helped restore the species to tens of thousands across North America.
Beverly Kingdon, an 83-year-old woman, has been instrumental in the remarkable recovery of trumpeter swans. Decades ago, this magnificent species was perilously close to extinction, with North America's population plummeting to a mere 69 individuals by 1932.
In the early 1980s, Kingdon became a dedicated volunteer for Ontario biologist Harry Lumsden's trumpeter swan restoration program. She and her late husband, Ray, committed over 40 years to this cause, demonstrating an unwavering passion for wildlife conservation.
Kingdon's significant contributions included raising trumpeter swans on her property and establishing a vital winter refuge for them at Burlington's LaSalle Marina. This marina provided crucial ice-free waters during harsh winters, protecting the vulnerable birds from dangers like fishing tackle and lead.
Her tireless efforts, from teaching young swans to forage to monitoring their health, played a pivotal role in their resurgence. Today, trumpeter swan populations have rebounded to tens of thousands across North America, a celebrated success story in conservation, with Kingdon being one of its last living links.
