The Chronicle/2002

Call it a witness protection program for swans. Blanche, the sole surviving swan at the Palace of Fine Arts’ lagoon, has been moved temporarily to the San Francisco Zoo after the recent killing of her sister, Monday.

Animal Care and Control removed Blanche due to concerns about her safety, and she likely won’t be back home until January when safety improvements to the lagoon are expected to be complete. More swans could join her at that point. Blanche, 13, will undergo a veterinary check-up at the zoo.

Five-year-old Monday’s body was found Nov. 13, her neck snapped and beer cans littered among her feathers. The death came six months after their mother, Friday, was stolen.

Anyone with information about the death should call Animal Care and Control at (415) 554-9400. A reward fund leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible has been set up. Contributions to the fund can be made by calling (415) 554-9413.