The tradition of "swan upping" dates back to the 12th century, when the British Crown declared ownership of all open water mute swans in Britain. In the past, the royal family preferred swan meat as a delicacy, a move to ensure adequate food supply for royal banquets and major ceremonies.

Hundreds of years ago, harming or killing a swan would have faced very severe penalties, and even stealing swan eggs would have faced nearly a year in prison. At that time, swans were a very important food source and a big dish at banquets, so swan upping was a grand celebration. But to this day, the activity is mainly about protecting swans and educating people about caring for animals.

Every July, the Swan Census is held on the river Thames. "Swan upping" usually lasts for 5 days, mainly to grasp the growth of swans. The swan upper will catch the swans, mark them, and release the swans. Census tasks include weighing the swans, measuring growth rates, and checking their beaks for scratches from hooks.

During the event, the census officers, dressed in traditional uniforms, took six boats to cruise the Thames and count swans. The swan marker sitting on the bow also has a swan feather pinned to the hat. After checking the health information of the swans, they will put a numbered ankle ring for each swan.

The annual swan census attracts thousands of British primary school children to watch. Through this traditional activity, children have the opportunity to learn about the swan's physiological structure, living environment, the Thames River, and the boats and equipment used by the census officers. Swan census as a tradition has been passed down to this day, and its more significant significance lies in educating people to protect swans, protect the environment, and protect animals.

As the queen's direct subjects, swans are sometimes pampered and domineering. For example, there is a family of swans living on the Jian River in Cambridgeshire. In 2012, the first generation of bully swan Asbo was exiled to a place 100 kilometers away because he often attacked tourists for no reason.

In the summer of 2014, Asboy, the son of old Asbo, also had a brief reign of terror on the Cam River. Today, still a minor grandson, Asbaby has also inherited the "fine tradition" of his grandfather and father and continues to dominate the Cambridge River. He is often photographed terrorizing and chasing tourists on the Cam River, snatching bread, champagne and even trying to steal tourists' backpacks. To make matters worse, Asbaby is now targeting young women.

There is also a swan, which not only occupied the waters of the lake area and drove away other animals, but also damaged 8 valuable boat models of the local boat model enthusiasts club for no reason, so the boat model enthusiasts wrote to the queen to complain.

Although a few swans are domineering, the decreasing number of swans due to environmental degradation also reminds people to protect the environment and protect wild animals such as swans.