Orlando marks 100 years of Lake Eola swan boats, while real swans pass health check

Credit: Lake Eola/Facebook

Orlando rang in this week 100 years of its iconic Lake Eola swan boats with a “Swantennial,” while the lake’s living residents passed their health checks with flying colors.

In honor of the first-ever boat launch in 1925, the city unveiled Tuesday a special gold-wrapped swan boat to commemorate the lake’s history.

The swan-shaped trips around the lake originally began with just two pedal-powered boats that could carry up to two dozen passengers. The idea came from Maitland resident Mrs. Bowers, who requested permission to add a swan boat dock just two months before the first launch.

The Swantennial comes just days after the living birds who inhabit the lake received passing health checks during their annual swan roundup. Veterinarians and volunteers provided medical check-ups and well-being assessments to the more than 50 resident swans.

Swan species represented in the park include trumpeter, black neck, whooper, royal mute and Australian black.

The swans continue to display resilience in the face of turbulence, as recent years have seen raccoons snatch baby swans, while bird flu took the lives of several others.

Guests can ride the boats Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rides cost $15 for 30 minutes.

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Orlando marks 100 years of Lake Eola swan boats, while real swans pass health check

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