Recently, Lakeland, Florida, began its 46th annual swan roundup at Lake Morton, where the city's well-known birds are briefly gathered each year — giving local children the rare chance to hold a swan.
The event not only provides important veterinary care to the birds, but it's also a decades-old tradition that has become one of Lakeland's most recognizable wildlife rituals.
Here's what to know
According to WUSF, Lakeland employees first corralled the birds so Dr. Price Dickson and staff from My Pet's Animal Hospital could complete annual health checks and vaccinations. The work is intended both to protect the flock's health and to maintain the swans' prominent place around Lake Morton.
Bob Donahay, Lakeland's director of parks, recreation, and cultural arts, said the event also gives residents a rare hands-on experience with wildlife.
"This is the closest that children will be able to get to swans," Donahay said, per WUSF. "It really sparks interest, and it shows how important it is in Lakeland."
Even with rain during the event, residents still came out for the chance to see the swans up close.
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Donahay said the city counted 59 swans, and Dr. Kathryn Kortegast, associate veterinarian at My Pet's Animal Hospital, said the birds appeared to be healthy.
More background
The roundup for nearly half a century has given Lakeland a system for managing and caring for a highly visible urban swan population. Residents and visitors regularly encounter the birds at close range around Lake Morton.
"We regulate the numbers probably a little bit better. We've had up to 80-85 swans on the lake, which is probably too many," Donahay told WUSF.
The city is trying to balance the appeal of a large flock with the practical limits of habitat and animal care.
According to Donahay, Lakeland's swan program has served as an example for other cities, including Orlando, WUSF reported.
Three generations of Donahay's family were with him at the event, his last before he retires in February.
What's being done?
Each year, city crews gather the swans before veterinarians examine them and give vaccinations. The routine lets officials track the flock's health.
"We've made some really good advances in the way we do business," Donahay said, per WUSF. "We've been very successful at it, and we plan on continuing that on."
After nearly 49 years with the city, Donahay said the roundup will still bring him back.
"Been doing it for so long and the people that I work with, when you're here for that long, they become your family," he told WUSF.
Where can I learn more?
Swans and other birds often run into trouble where people live and play.
• On Long Island, officials freed an injured swan tangled in a discarded fishing line.
• Wildlife rescue workers helped a young swan bound by a fishing line.
• After two weeks in a rescue center, a swan reunited with its partner.
• In London, swimmers drew anger after entering a protected pond beside swan nests and hatchlings.
• In East Hampton, residents called the city's handling of dead geese deeply disturbing.
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