The City of Orlando confirmed Lake Eola swan and wild bird deaths, and a community petition is calling for responsible stewardship to protect the swans.
In a recent update, the City of Orlando confirmed that there had been 32 total bird deaths at the time. Of the 32 deaths, there were 26 Mute swan deaths and 6 other wild birds. Orlando currently has 46 living swans; three of the 26 mute swans were wild.
A petition from Andrew and PJ Marshall to protect Lake Eola’s swans is calling for responsible stewardship while issuing a grave warning about the health and welfare of the swans and the conditions in Orlando. “Lake Eola lacks consistent, on-site expert care dedicated specifically to the health and welfare of its swans,” the petition states.
“Equally concerning is the ongoing accumulation of trash and debris throughout the lake and surrounding habitat,” the petition continues.
“Finally, the condition of Lake Eola’s water quality demands transparency and accountability,” the petition states. “By addressing these issues in this order: 1. Expert care, 2. Habitat cleanliness, and 3. Water quality, the City of Orlando can fulfill its responsibility to protect the swans entrusted to its care. We respectfully urge the City to take immediate, measurable action and invite the public to join us in signing this petition to ensure responsible stewardship of Lake Eola’s swans for generations to come.”
Find the full petition from Andrew and PJ Marshall to protect Lake Eola’s swans online. They also posted: “We were grateful to see the City acknowledge yesterday that an avian flu outbreak has occurred and that approximately 30% of the Lake Eola swan flock has been lost. While outbreaks can happen, this acknowledgement underscores a much larger issue: there is still significant work to be done to improve the stewardship and care of these city-owned swans. We respectfully ask that you continue your advocacy by signing the attached petition, which outlines the most urgent areas requiring improvement and change at Lake Eola. We would be deeply grateful if you would also share the petition to help build broader community support.”
City staff discovered the deaths of several different birds at Lake Eola Park in December. Following these discoveries, staff consulted with local veterinarian experts and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The city has received confirmation the birds tested positive for Avian Influenza. A spokesperson said that the city is taking all necessary precautions as recommended by FWC, as well as local veterinarians, to keep our community safe and limit the spread of Avian Influenza.
“In an abundance of caution, the city has proactively disinfected multiple surfaces throughout the park and will continue to do so during this time,” Public Information Manager Andrea Otero told West Orlando News. “Additionally, the city is placing signage throughout the park, posting on multiple city social channels, conducting direct outreach to residents, neighborhoods and businesses in the area and temporarily removing the food available for purchase from the feeder stands.”
As outlined by the CDC, Avian Influenza can be transmitted to humans, although it is extremely rare with only one case reported in the U.S. since 2022. It is recommended the community take the following measures to protect themselves according to the city:
Avoid direct contact with the birds at Lake Eola Park and only observe them from a distance. This goes for both people and pets at the park.
Additionally, park goers should avoid contact with any excrement from birds.
Visitors can take further precautions to reduce spread to birds, such as washing shoes and other equipment, like bike tires.
“The city will continue to follow the recommendations of FWC,” Public Information Manager Andrea Otero said. “Based on the size of the park and the bird population, they recommend allowing the Avian Influenza to run its course as some birds may build immunity and estimate a month of dissipation of infections. The city will continue to actively track, monitor and report any new infections to FWC and remain vigilant in our efforts related to disinfecting the park.”
Lake Eola Park is one of the city’s only parks with a dedicated animal care program. Through the Lake Eola Swan program, the City of Orlando utilizes veterinary services, conducts annual health checkups and works closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure the health and well-being of the swans.