6 baby swans believed to have been stolen from Lake Eola Park

Six baby swans are missing from Orlando's Lake Eola, and city and park officials believe they were stolen.Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the focus now is on reviewing surveillance video to find out who may have taken these baby swans. In a Facebook post, Sheehan said they went missing Monday night.A photo taken by a park ranger Monday showed the baby swans, called cygnets, shortly after they were born in a nest next to the park's Chinese pavilion. Sometime overnight, the cygnets disappeared.Some commenters questioned whether the circle of life might explain their disappearance. But Sheehan said "predator or natural activity would not account for this many missing without remains."Sheehan's post has already been shared hundreds of times.One commenter wrote: "I can't believe someone would do such a harmful crime !! So sad and very upsetting."Another asks how this could have happened. "Is the lake not patrolled all night long? I'm there in the early mornings running and there are always cops."Sheehan replied, saying police patrol Lake Eola "all but a few hours. Video surveillance 24 hours. Checking tape."According to city code, Sheehan said, it's a felony to steal a swan from Lake Eola Park.Park manager Chris Wallace said the baby swans can survive if they are fed the proper food. At this point, he and Sheehan said, if the thief returns them safe and sound, they are willing to not ask any questions. They just want to reunite the mother and her babies.39000756

Six baby swans are missing from Orlando's Lake Eola, and city and park officials believe they were stolen.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the focus now is on reviewing surveillance video to find out who may have taken these baby swans. In a Facebook post, Sheehan said they went missing Monday night.

A photo taken by a park ranger Monday showed the baby swans, called cygnets, shortly after they were born in a nest next to the park's Chinese pavilion. Sometime overnight, the cygnets disappeared.

Some commenters questioned whether the circle of life might explain their disappearance. But Sheehan said "predator or natural activity would not account for this many missing without remains."

Sheehan's post has already been shared hundreds of times.

One commenter wrote: "I can't believe someone would do such a harmful crime !! So sad and very upsetting."

Another asks how this could have happened. "Is the lake not patrolled all night long? I'm there in the early mornings running and there are always cops."

Sheehan replied, saying police patrol Lake Eola "all but a few hours. Video surveillance 24 hours. Checking tape."

According to city code, Sheehan said, it's a felony to steal a swan from Lake Eola Park.

Park manager Chris Wallace said the baby swans can survive if they are fed the proper food. At this point, he and Sheehan said, if the thief returns them safe and sound, they are willing to not ask any questions. They just want to reunite the mother and her babies.