City News Blog: 44th Annual Lake Morton Swan Roundup Will Take Place October 8

City News Blog: 44th Annual Lake Morton Swan Roundup Will Take Place October 8

LAKELAND, FL(September 11, 2024) | The City of Lakeland Parks Division will be on Lake Morton at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, for the 44^thAnnual Swan Roundup. Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts employees will be carefully gathering the swans by boat to get them ready for their annual veterinary check-up. The swans will be confined in large holding pens on the south side of the lake for their annual wellness examinations with My Pet's Animal Hospital that will start the morning of October 9, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. The Annual Swan Round-Up allows the City's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department to closely monitor the health and vitality of Lakeland's swan population.

The original swans on Lake Morton were donated by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1957. As Lakeland's swan flock grew, it became paramount to give the regal birds an annual health check, so the Swan Roundup began in 1980 and has continued every year since then. The swans were first cared for by veterinarian (emeritus) and original Swanvet W.G. Gardner. Dr. Patricia Mattson oversaw the birds for several years and now My Pet's Animal Hospital contributes their expertise in caring for Lakeland's swan flock. It is important to know that My Pet's Animal Hospital gives back to the community by donating their veterinary services year-round as today's official Swanvet for the City of Lakeland.

My Pet's Animal Hospital is located at 2225 Drane Field Road in Lakeland. The Lakeland facility has a 5,100 square foot hospital with examination rooms and separate treatment and surgery areas, including laser surgery. There are over 40 kennels for boarding pets along with three hospital wards. My Pet's Animal Hospital is a full-service, AAHA accredited facility. The American Animal Hospital Association provides accreditation only to hospitals that meet their strict standards.

Bob Donahay, Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts said, "The Lake Morton swans are a community icon, and families have been interacting with the birds for decades. It is very important that we make sure Lakeland's flock is doing well so we schedule the Swan Roundup each year as a wellness exam for the birds." He added, "It costs about $10,000 each year to feed and care for Lakeland's domestic swans. We really appreciate the team at My Pet's Animal Hospital donating their time and equipment to help care for our flock. We could not do it without their generous support."

The City of Lakeland was incorporated January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population over 125,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for almost 40 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.

For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City of Lakeland on social media by searching lakelandgov on the major social media platforms.

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