Fewer swans than previously reported died at Lake Eola in recent weeks – but that means the presumed avian flu outbreak at the park likely impacted two other species, Commissioner Patty Sheehan said.
In a news conference Monday, Sheehan originally said a dozen swans had died – with the first two found on Dec. 23, and the rest occurring over the following five days.
City crews discovered the accurate count when they were preparing the deceased birds to be incinerated, Sheehan said. An ibis and an anhinga were among the dead.
A cause of death is still unknown, but with necropsy results possible as soon as Friday, the city is proceeding under the assumption they’ll test positive for avian flu, she said.
The park is home to numerous varieties of bird and water fowl, and also is a frequent stop for migratory birds. The lake has five of the world’s six varieties of swan, but among them only the Royal Mute swans were affected, Sheehan said.
As the deaths piled up, city crews sanitized areas where the fowl gather on the shore and routinely pressure cleaned walkways. They also picked up public feeders.
Signage was posted throughout the park earlier this week urging people not to feed the swans – though parkgoers have done so anyway. The signs also recommend avoiding contact with the birds and washing shoes if they have excrement on them.
It’s the second such outbreak at the lake in recent years. In Feb. 2024, four swans and 15 total birds were killed by the disease.
Sheehan and city officials maintain the park is safe for visitors, as it remains adorned for the holiday season, attracting thousands daily.