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Trump bans golfer who killed swan
©Associated Press
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 16, 2001
WEST PALM BEACH -- Donald Trump has swung back at the golfer who clubbed one of his rare black swans to death, banning Cyril Wagner from all of his properties worldwide.
The wealthy New York developer made the announcement Saturday while vacationing at his $40-million Trump International Golf Club, where the incident took place several weeks ago.
"I spoke with the member and relayed to him that his guest is not to set foot on any of my properties again," Trump said. "I don't care if it was self-defense or not. The actions seemed excessive."
Wagner claimed that the swan exhibited threatening behavior, coming out of a pond and charging and hissing at his group, which included two children. Wagner told investigators he killed the 50-pound bird in self-defense with one swing of a titanium driver, said Lt. Gina DiPace, a Palm Beach County animal control officer.
Wagner was playing golf as a guest of New York plastic surgeon Eli Milch, a member.
Animal control officers investigated the incident and were expected to hand over their findings to the State Attorney's Office today.
The black swan, dubbed Alex by club members, was one of four given Trump by a friend. One was killed earlier by an alligator. The remaining two share the golf club's water hazards with about 20 white swans.
Black swans, native to Australia, are worth about $1,000 each.
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