ORLANDO, FLORIDA– Dozens of the iconic pelicans that live in the heart of downtown Orlando, Florida, have died in recent days from an unknown cause, leading officials to suspect bird flu as the cause.
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said Monday on social media that the swan deaths at Lake Eola did not appear suspicious.
About fifty swans lived in the park before their recent death. The last bird flu outbreak in the park was in February 2024.
Because the deaths occurred during the holiday season, the city’s specialized veterinarians were not available for immediate evaluation. The city commissioner said that the dead swans were stored in a safe place until an autopsy could be performed and the cause of death could be determined.
“We can’t be sure until the tests are done,” Sheehan said.
Swans have been on Lake Eola for over a century and are a symbol of the central Florida city. They have been painted on street murals at city intersections, and visitors can rent swan-shaped pedal boats in the park.