Swan keeper seeks community donations

Longboat Key resident and local swan keeper David Novak is seeking community support for the Key’s swan population.

The Longboat Observer reported Aug. 7 that the Regal Swan Foundation has agreed to a multi-year effort to help him with the Key’s swans.

Services include on-site veterinary care as needed and assistance with reducing predator influence and stabilizing the Key’s swan population. The process will take at least five years and has a long-term goal of six pairs of swans dispersed among six territories, with swans being more visible to Longboat residents on a daily basis.

Novak expects the assistance from the foundation to keep the Key’s swan population stable for about 15 more years. Novak’s ultimate goal for the next five to eight years is a same-sex pair for each territory — most likely two female pairs and four male pairs.

“As time evolves, I hope that others will help further to support the tradition of the swans on Longboat Key for the next generation,” said Novak, in a press released emailed to the Longboat Key Town Commission last week. “Is there any other island in Florida that can claim having such a wildfowl treasure?"

Novak is urging Key residents to make a personal tax-deductible donation to the Regal Swan Foundation. Donations will be used exclusively for supplies, veterinary care, feeders, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Novak said at least $3,000 more is needed this year for services.

Residents can support the effort by mailing or hand-delivering a tax-deductible contribution to: Regal Swan Foundation, SunTrust Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228. Those that contribute are urged to include their local mailing address and their email address.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].