The iconic swans in Orlando are dead, and authorities suspect bird flu

In recent days, a dozen of the well – known swans residing in the core of downtown Orlando, Florida, have died from an unknown cause, which has made officials suspect that bird flu is the culprit.

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan stated on social media on Monday that the deaths of the swans at Lake Eola don’t seem suspicious.

Before the recent deaths, around five dozen swans lived in the park. The last bird flu outbreak in the park occurred in February 2024.

Since the deaths happened during the holiday season, the city’s specialized veterinarians were not available for an immediate assessment. The city commissioner said that the dead swans were being stored in a secure place so that necropsies could be carried out and the cause of death could be determined.

“We can’t be sure until the tests are finished,” Sheehan said.

The swans have been at Lake Eola for over a century and are symbols of the central Florida city. They have been depicted on street murals at city intersections, and visitors can rent swan – shaped pedal – boats at the park.