Wednesday, July 09, 2025

Rufus Replacement Problems.

Wimbledon succession crisis looms after Rufus the hawk fails to breed.

Rufus the Hawk
Rufus the Hawk has kept Wimbledon grounds pigeon free for 17 years - Philip Toscano/PA

For 17 years, the grounds of Wimbledon have been kept pigeon-free by Rufus the hawk.

The raptor is so effective at patrolling SW19’s skies, that bosses at the championships want his descendants to eventually replace him.

But a so-called “succession plan” is in doubt after its handler revealed Rufus had no offspring and had recently failed to breed.

Donna Davis, who has overseen Rufus’s near two-decade reign over Centre Court, said the hawk had not taken a liking to Pamela, its mate-to-be.

The 58-year-old falconer said: “They didn’t hit it off. Pamela was quite aggressive. It wasn’t love at first sight. But maybe we can try breeding with him again in the future.” AOL.

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