ORLANDO, Fla. – The city of Orlando will begin rehoming its resident Lake Eola swans as the city prepares for a massive renovation plan around the lake.
The deaths of dozens of swans and other birds from avian influenza earlier this year also influenced the decision.
The city’s announcement on Friday said officials went through a review with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of the care and management of the flock.
“Through this review, it became clear that consistently meeting those requirements within an active urban park, especially one preparing for major construction, will be increasingly difficult,” the announcement read.
[WATCH: Orlando considers Lake Eola Park renovation (from 2025)]
The city says it is pausing the program in advance of the master plan renovations. The city is going to start by rehoming this year’s cygnets, their parents, and any eggs and currently nesting parents.
“Relocating them now will reduce stress and risk during this extended period of construction activity in the park and will help ensure their ongoing care in environments that can fully meet required standards,” the statement read.
City officials say that wild swans and other waterfowl may still be seen around Lake Eola, because the birds are free-ranging and not part of the captive flock.
[WATCH: Internal emails reveal Orlando’s behind-the-scenes handling of Lake Eola swan flu outbreak]
Thirty-seven birds around Lake Eola were killed by the avian influenza outbreak earlier this year, including 29 mute swans.
Meanwhile, the city is set to begin a multi-million renovation project. The first phase of the project will include updates to parts of the seawall, drainage improvements, moving the swan boat dock closer to Lake Eola House, and building a walkway behind the amphitheater. This first phase is estimated to cost around $30 million.
Other ideas still on the drawing board include renovating the playground, adding a family zone, adding more shade to the amphitheater, and renovating the bathrooms. The city says it will update residents as the project progresses.