Trumpeter swan cygnets hatch at Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Baby swans- called cygnets- flocked together and close to mom- as they explored the Lincoln Park Zoo pond for the first time.

The trumpeter swan cygnets hatched on June 2 and 3, but stayed under their parents' wings for a few days. The four then started exploring both the land around the exhibit and the McCormick Swan Pond.

The cygnets will stay together through the fall and be released in Iowa as part of a reintroduction program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). So far, the zoo has released more than 40 trumpeter swans in conservation efforts.

The swans will triple in size, become skilled swimmers and learn to feed on seeds, grains, plants, insects and small fish before they're taken to Iowa. They can be seen daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the weekday, 7 p.m. on weekends, at the Lincoln Park Zoo.