ORLANDO, Fla. — In a troubling turn of events, about a dozen swans, celebrated symbols of Lake Eola, have recently died, leading Orlando officials to suspect bird flu may be the culprit. City Commissioner Patty Sheehan offered updates on social media, noting that the deaths do not appear to be suspicious. Before these tragic losses, approximately 60 swans called the park home.

The city is on heightened alert as the last confirmed bird flu outbreak occurred in February 2024 at the same location. Due to the holiday season, the city’s specialized veterinarians are currently unavailable for immediate evaluations. Efforts are underway to secure the deceased swans for necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.

“We can’t be certain until tests are completed,” Commissioner Sheehan stated, while expressing hope for clarity on the situation.

The swans of Lake Eola boast a rich history, having graced the park for over a century. They are not only a picturesque part of the city’s landscape but also deeply ingrained in community culture, depicted in street murals and available for rental as swan-shaped pedal-boats. Their sudden losses remind us of the precarious state of wildlife health in our environments, urging a collective call to action for preserving biodiversity and monitoring avian species health.}