Photo: James Warwick / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Orlando, FL - Twelve swans that lived at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando have died in recent days, leading city officials to investigate the cause while awaiting laboratory test results.
According to the City of Orlando, the first two swans were found dead on December 23rd, and additional deaths were reported throughout the following week, bringing the total to twelve.
The swans were part of the long established population that has lived at Lake Eola for more than a century and is managed by the city through a dedicated wildlife care program.
City officials stated that the birds were collected and secured for necropsies, which are being conducted by wildlife specialists to determine an official cause of death.
Results had not been finalized as of the most recent update.
Officials noted that the timing of the deaths coincided with the holiday season, which delayed access to specialized veterinary testing.
While no cause has been confirmed, city leaders said the deaths are consistent with previous incidents involving avian influenza at the park.
Earlier this year, multiple swans at Lake Eola tested positive for bird flu after dying under similar circumstances.
As a precaution, city crews removed swan feeding stations, disinfected park areas, and increased monitoring of the remaining birds.
Officials emphasized that there is no evidence of foul play and no suspect involved in the deaths.
Law enforcement has not announced any arrests, and there are no allegations of criminal activity connected to the incident.
Lake Eola Park remains open to the public.
Visitors are advised to avoid contact with birds or droppings and to report any sick or dead wildlife to city staff while the investigation continues.