ARTICLE
Take a stroll around any of Lakeland’s main lakes and you are sure to spot the town’s most iconic bird, the swan. The elegant and graceful swans have long captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike, becoming the unofficial bird of the city. However, Lakeland wasn’t always full of swans. In fact, there was a time when the population had dwindled to zero. The First Swans: Swans used to be a natural occurrence in Lakeland, brought down by seasonal residents who wanted to have swans as pets near their winter homes. The population soon grow to over 20 swans and the city established a Swan Department to oversee their care in 1926. However, they often became the victims of diseases, chemicals, and interactions with humans, dogs, and especially alligators. By 1954, the last of the swans had passed away. The community, feeling a great loss, tried to come up with the funds to purchase a new pair of swans. However, their donations fell short. Word reached former Lakeland residents, Mr. and Mrs. Pickhardt, who were living in England. Saddened by the news, Mrs. Pickhardt wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth II requesting a donation for a pair of swans. The New Generation: Eventually, Queen Elizabeth agreed, asking Lakeland to cover the $300 cost of wrangling, transportation, and licensing the royal swans. A frequent visitor of Lakeland, Randle Pomeroy, generously donated $300 to cover all costs. Tragedy struck again when the birds’ home was contained by a barge that sank in London’s Thames River. The birds had to be cleaned of the oil and rehabilitated back to health. By the time the birds were ready to transition to their new home in Lakeland in 1956, the importation license had expired. After reapplying and successfully being granted a new license in 1957, the birds were finally sent on their way. They were released into Lake Morton but only days later seemed to disappear. The female was found quickly, but the male was lost for a total of five days. Once they were recovered, their wings were clipped to solve this problem. The full story including old newspaper reports can be found here: Swan City - The Lakelander Swan Roundup and Care: To ensure the well-being of the swans and maintain the harmony of the ecosystem, the city of Lakeland established a unique tradition known as the "Swan Roundup." Every year, the community comes together to carefully gather the swans, evaluate their health, and provide necessary veterinary care. This ritual allows experts to monitor the swan population, protect them from potential harm, and ensure their overall well-being. Over the years, Lakeland has remained dedicated to preserving The presence of swans in the city. Various initiatives and organizations including the Lakeland Swan Aktion Committee and local wildlife authorities, work tirelessly to protect these majestic creatures. The efforts focus on preserving the habitat, educating the community about responsible interaction with the swans and ensuring a sustainable future for their existence. Educational Outreach and Tourism: Recognizing its educational and touristic potential, Lakeland has embraced its unique association with the swans. Educational programs have been developed to raise awareness about swans and their importance to the local ecosystem. Visitors can partake in swan-centric tours, photography workshops and even witness the annual Swan Roundup. These initiatives provide an immersive experience and foster a deeper understanding of the bond between Lakeland and its iconic avian residents. The swans of Lakeland have carved a place in the hearts of the community, serving as an enduring symbol of grace, beauty and civic pride. Their regal grace and the serene ambiance they brought to the city's lakes enchanted residents and visitors alike. The swans became an integral part of the city's identity, adorning postcards, artwork, and promotional materials, attracting tourists and fostering a sense of community pride. Now the population has grown to include four different swan species including the mute white swans, black swans, black neck swans, and Coscoroba swans (the smallest of the birds; goose-like with short necks). If you’d like to see the swans for yourself, take a walk or drive around any of these lakes: Beulah, Bonny, Hollingsworth, Hunter, Mirror, Wire and especially Lake Morton.
Take a stroll around any of Lakeland’s main lakes and you are sure to spot the town’s most iconic bird, the swan. The elegant and graceful swans have long captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike, becoming the unofficial bird of the city. However, Lakeland wasn’t always full of swans. In fact, there was a time when the population had dwindled to zero.
The First Swans:
Swans used to be a natural occurrence in Lakeland, brought down by seasonal residents who wanted to have swans as pets near their winter homes. The population soon grow to over 20 swans and the city established a Swan Department to oversee their care in 1926. However, they often became the victims of diseases, chemicals, and interactions with humans, dogs, and especially alligators. By 1954, the last of the swans had passed away.
The community, feeling a great loss, tried to come up with the funds to purchase a new pair of swans. However, their donations fell short. Word reached former Lakeland residents, Mr. and Mrs. Pickhardt, who were living in England. Saddened by the news, Mrs. Pickhardt wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth II requesting a donation for a pair of swans.
The New Generation:
Eventually, Queen Elizabeth agreed, asking Lakeland to cover the $300 cost of wrangling, transportation, and licensing the royal swans. A frequent visitor of Lakeland, Randle Pomeroy, generously donated $300 to cover all costs.
Tragedy struck again when the birds’ home was contained by a barge that sank in London’s Thames River. The birds had to be cleaned of the oil and rehabilitated back to health. By the time the birds were ready to transition to their new home in Lakeland in 1956, the importation license had expired. After reapplying and successfully being granted a new license in 1957, the birds were finally sent on their way.
They were released into Lake Morton but only days later seemed to disappear. The female was found quickly, but the male was lost for a total of five days. Once they were recovered, their wings were clipped to solve this problem.
The full story including old newspaper reports can be found here: Swan City - The Lakelander
Swan Roundup and Care:
To ensure the well-being of the swans and maintain the harmony of the ecosystem, the city of Lakeland established a unique tradition known as the "Swan Roundup." Every year, the community comes together to carefully gather the swans, evaluate their health, and provide necessary veterinary care. This ritual allows experts to monitor the swan population, protect them from potential harm, and ensure their overall well-being.
Over the years, Lakeland has remained dedicated to preserving The presence of swans in the city. Various initiatives and organizations including the Lakeland Swan Aktion Committee and local wildlife authorities, work tirelessly to protect these majestic creatures. The efforts focus on preserving the habitat, educating the community about responsible interaction with the swans and ensuring a sustainable future for their existence.
Educational Outreach and Tourism:
Recognizing its educational and touristic potential, Lakeland has embraced its unique association with the swans. Educational programs have been developed to raise awareness about swans and their importance to the local ecosystem. Visitors can partake in swan-centric tours, photography workshops and even witness the annual Swan Roundup. These initiatives provide an immersive experience and foster a deeper understanding of the bond between Lakeland and its iconic avian residents.
The swans of Lakeland have carved a place in the hearts of the community, serving as an enduring symbol of grace, beauty and civic pride. Their regal grace and the serene ambiance they brought to the city's lakes enchanted residents and visitors alike. The swans became an integral part of the city's identity, adorning postcards, artwork, and promotional materials, attracting tourists and fostering a sense of community pride. Now the population has grown to include four different swan species including the mute white swans, black swans, black neck swans, and Coscoroba swans (the smallest of the birds; goose-like with short necks). If you’d like to see the swans for yourself, take a walk or drive around any of these lakes: Beulah, Bonny, Hollingsworth, Hunter, Mirror, Wire and especially Lake Morton.