City of Orlando releases Black-Necked Cygnets in Lake Eola Park

In 2019 at Lake Eola, the lone Black-Necked swan, Queenie, was in need of a mate. Thanks to donations by a local resident and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, two male Black-Necked swans were purchased in hopes that one would become a companion for her. Luckily, over time love grew between Queenie and the male swan named Big Boy and this spring three new cygnets became the first successful hatchlings since their pairing, making them a family of five.

On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan released the first Black-Necked swan hatchlings and celebrated their first swim as the family made their debut on the lake.

Lake Eola is home to more than 50 swans representing five different breeds:

• Trumpeter swans
• Black-Necked swans
• Whooper swans
• Royal Mute swans
• Australian Black swans

Swan-A-Thon:

Anyone wishing to help support the health and well-being of Lake Eola’s swans can donate to Swan-A-Thon, a fundraising effort lead by Commissioner Sheehan and managed by the Orlando Community Youth Trust, a non-profit that supports the mission of the City of Orlando’s Families, Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information visit, orlandotrust.org.