The History of Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario

Trumpeter swans once lived throughout North America.  They were widely hunted by early settlers for their meat, feathers and leather. In 1886, the last recorded Trumpeter Swan in Ontario was shot at Long Point. 100 years later, one man decided to bring them back. ​

 

Ontario's Restoration Program began in Ontario in the 1980’s, by renowned Biologist Harry Lumsden. He obtained eggs and birds from the Alaskan and Rocky Mountain populations, which were then placed with cooperative landowners to host them as captive breeding pairs.

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Initially, those cygnets were released, but it was soon found that many of the newly released birds were falling ill.  Testing confirmed that these young birds had lead poisoning, from the lead shot they would routinely pick up while feeding on the bottoms of wetlands.  

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Over the last 40 years, conservation efforts supported by dedicated volunteers, scientists, and wildlife rehabbers have brought this reintroduced species back to over 3,000 birds in the province as of the 2025 census. ​

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Although this population is now considered self sustainable, Trumpeter Swans remain a crucial indicator species for the health of Ontario's wetlands and wild bird populations as a whole.  Ongoing marking and research continues to inform scientists, universities and government agencies on population spread and also flock health, including the spread and herd immunity of diseases like Avian Bornavirus and H1N1, as well as continued work on lead poisoning and its long term affects on wild birds.  

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