ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 The city of Orlando is relocating its iconic flock of swans from Lake Eola Park after an outbreak of avian flu killed 29 birds in recent months, city officials said.<\/p>\n
The remaining 44 captive swans will be moved to other locations, including farms and zoos, as officials attempt to contain the spread of the virus and protect the surviving birds. The relocation process will begin as soon as this weekend.<\/p>\n
The swans have been a signature part of downtown Orlando for nearly a century, attracting tourists and serving as a symbol of the city. Residents who regularly visit the park said the birds are deeply connected to the identity of Lake Eola.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will miss the swans. I think this is an iconic part of Orlando,\u201d bird watcher Janice Schilling said.<\/p>\n
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the outbreak is linked to migratory birds that visit the lake and spread the virus to the city\u2019s captive flock.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is all due to avian flu,\u201d Sheehan said. \u201cThe migratory birds are coming and spreading it to our flock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials said inspectors determined the park was no longer a safe environment for the swans, particularly the five cygnets, other known as baby swans, that remain in the flock.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, after the inspection, we were told that is not a safe environment for the cygnets and we need to get them relocated,\u201d Sheehan said.<\/p>\n
The city said the cygnets will stay together during the relocation process.<\/p>\n
Although Orlando plans to continue caring for the park\u2019s natural wildlife, officials said they currently cannot safely maintain the captive swan program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t take care of them right now because if someone gets injured, we can\u2019t take them to the vet because the vet is concerned about bringing the virus into the practice,\u201d Sheehan said.<\/p>\n
The relocation also comes as the city prepares for a major construction project at Lake Eola Park. Officials said any future return of the swan program would require additional protections, including safer enclosures for young swans and improved medical holding areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we do decide to bring the program back we will need a place to put cygnets so they are not attacked by predators and better pens to put them in for medical purposes,\u201d Sheehan said. <\/p>\n
For many residents, the temporary loss of the swans marks the end of a longtime Orlando tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want what\u2019s best for the swans, but this lake or downtown will never be the same,\u201d Schilling said.<\/p>\n
City officials are also urging residents not to bring pet birds to the park while concerns over avian flu remain.<\/p>\n
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