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Swans Return To Palace Of Fine Arts Lagoon

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Swans are back in the lagoon at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts.

The city landmark has featured swans since it was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, but the population dwindled over the years. In November, someone killed one of the remaining swans, prompting animal control officials to pull out the last one, named Blanche, for her protection.

After a checkup at the San Francisco Zoo, officials took Blanche to Point Reyes, where the 13-year-old bird found two companions.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that officials placed Blanche and her new friends, 2-year-olds Blue Boy and Bella, in the lagoon Sunday. The return of the swans comes as the city plans to unveil its completed lagoon restoration next week.

Volunteer caretakers will continue looking after the birds.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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