ORLANDO, Fla. — The city beautiful’s most beloved birds got top treatment at Lake Eola on Saturday.
The City of Orlando teamed up a veterinarian and specially-trained volunteers to round up as many as 80 swans this morning.
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It’s part of the annual checkup to give the birds vet care, shots and to make sure they’re all microchipped.
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During Saturday’s checkup, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan introduced the newest additions of two donated female trumpeter swans to Lake Eola.
The city said the swans have gained about 20% body weight since it first began caring for them 12 years ago.
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The city wants to keep providing this help so they can stay healthy and look out for themselves.
“It’s a very labor-intensive thing, but these are our beloved pets in Lake Eola and the most recognizable part of the city,” said Sheehan. “We want to make sure they’re properly cared for.”
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Lake Eola is home to more than 50 swans representing five different breeds, including:
- Trumpeter
- Black neck
- Whooper
- Royal mute
- Australian black
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The city asks that if you do stop by Lake Eola to see the swans, not to feed them pastries or bread. The best options are lettuce, or to get cracked corn from the feeders.
If you would like to donate to Swan-A-Thon and help support the health and well-being of Lake Eola’s swans, CLICK HERE. www.orlandotrust.org/swan.
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