12 swans found dead at Orlando's Lake Eola Park, bird flu suspected

Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel on Dec 29, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

ORLANDO, Fla. — A dozen swans have died at Lake Eola in the past week, leaving Orlando officials fearing another outbreak of bird flu at the city’s signature park.

City Commissioner Patty Sheehan posted on Facebook that two dead swans were found on Dec. 23, with the number growing to 12 by Sunday. Due to the holidays the city’s specialized veterinarians weren’t available, Sheehan said, but the deceased swans are being stored in a secure area so necropsies can be performed.

Prior to the recent deaths, the swan population at the park was estimated to be between 50 and 60.

“It is likely this could be another Avian Flu outbreak, similar to what happened in February of 2024. We can’t be certain until tests are completed,” she said. “We do not believe the deaths are suspicious. The deceased birds will be examined as soon as possible.”

In the 2024 outbreak, four of the park’s swans were killed by the virus, along with dozens of other birds who were at the park.

At the time, warning signs were posted at the park warning people to avoid direct contact with the birds, as as well as advising them to remove and clean their shoes when they get home.

Ultimately, the virus seemed to dissipate after about a month.

----------