ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s Families, Parks and Recreation Department successfully completed the relocations of all of its Lake Eola swans to new homes Saturday, a spokesperson said.
Park rangers, animal handlers and staff safely moved 42 Mute, Australian Black, Black-necked, Whooper and Trumpeter swans to a new sanctuary, where they were reunited with the swans moved from Lake Eola earlier this year, the spokesperson said.
The city started removing the swans earlier this summer in response to dozens of swans dying from avian influenza during the winter.
Park visitors might still see wild swans, the spokesperson said, because they migrate there naturally through urban waterways.
In a statement earlier this year, the city said, “Responsibly rehoming the flock is the most compassionate and responsible step for their long-term health.”