Lake Eola, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, is more than a scenic landmark and 4th highest tourist visited destination in Central Florida, it is the historic home of the city’s beloved, city-owned swans. For over a century, these birds have been a symbol of grace, continuity, and civic pride. Today, however, their welfare is increasingly at risk due to systemic gaps in care and environmental conditions that require immediate and responsible action.

First and foremost, Lake Eola lacks consistent, on-site expert care dedicated specifically to the health and welfare of its swans. As the leader of the Lake Eola Swan Docent Program for the past two years, the volunteers and I have repeatedly observed the consequences of this absence. City-owned animals require informed, qualified oversight, including avian-specific expertise, clear protocols for illness or injury, and timely decision-making grounded in best practices. Without this foundation, preventable harm continues to occur. Establishing consistent expert oversight must be the City’s highest priority.

Equally concerning is the ongoing accumulation of trash and debris throughout the lake and surrounding habitat. This presents an immediate and visible threat to the swans, who are vulnerable to ingestion, entanglement, and habitat degradation. A comprehensive plan is needed that includes increased frequency of debris removal, preventative infrastructure, and enforceable measures to reduce litter at its source. Public education and clear signage are essential to discourage improper feeding and littering, ensuring visitors understand how their actions directly affect the swans’ well-being.

Finally, the condition of Lake Eola’s water quality demands transparency and accountability. Regular, publicly accessible reporting of water-quality testing is necessary to assess risks and trends over time. This reporting should clearly identify contaminants, contributing factors, and include a defined action plan with timelines to restore and maintain safe conditions for the swans and other wildlife that depend on the lake.

By addressing these issues in this order: 1. Expert care, 2. Habitat cleanliness, and 3. Water quality, the City of Orlando can fulfill its responsibility to protect the swans entrusted to its care. We respectfully urge the City to take immediate, measurable action and invite the public to join us in signing this petition to ensure responsible stewardship of Lake Eola’s swans for generations to come.