Tragic Losses Rock Sanctuary – Virus Spreads Without Mercy

Lincoln Park Zoo’s beloved animals fall victim to deadly avian flu, raising concerns about the virus’s alarming spread to new species.

At a Glance

• A harbor seal and Chilean flamingo at Lincoln Park Zoo died from highly pathogenic avian flu
• This marks the first known case of avian flu in animals at the zoo
• The zoo remains open but has implemented safety measures, including closing the McCormick Bird House
• Experts warn of potential virus mutation and urge public caution with wildlife

Tragic Loss at Lincoln Park Zoo

In a shocking turn of events, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has reported the deaths of two beloved animals due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The victims, a young Chilean flamingo named Teal and a 7-year-old harbor seal named Slater, succumbed to the deadly virus, marking the first known cases of HPAI in animals under the zoo’s care.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the zoo community and raised alarms about the virus’s ability to affect diverse species. The source of exposure is believed to be contact with infected waterfowl, highlighting the dangers posed by the ongoing avian flu outbreak.

Zoo Takes Swift Action

In response to this devastating loss, Lincoln Park Zoo has implemented rigorous safety protocols to protect its remaining animal population and ensure visitor safety. The McCormick Bird House has been closed until further notice, and additional personal protective equipment is now mandatory for zoo staff.

“This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals,” said Director of Veterinary Services Lester E. Fisher and Dr. Kathryn Gamble in a statement. “While highly pathogenic avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in free-ranging waterfowl, more mammal species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI since 2022.”

Despite these precautions, zoo officials maintain that the facility remains safe for visitors. Megan Ross, the zoo’s director, reassured the public, stating, “Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors. The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”

Unprecedented Spread and Growing Concerns

The death of Slater the seal is particularly alarming, as it represents an unprecedented jump of the virus to a new mammalian species. Dr. Robert Murphy, an expert on the matter, expressed his concern: “Hundreds of millions of birds have died from Bird Flu. It’s been really devastating. The seal is that’s a new one. Nobody really has heard of that before.”

“We haven’t hit the red button yet, so there’s no human to human transmission noted to date. But that is the fear that everybody has, that it will mutate at some point, and then we have to worry about it.” – Dr. Murphy

This development has sparked fears about the potential for the virus to mutate and possibly lead to human-to-human transmission. While stockpiled vaccines are available for humans, there are currently no such options for animals, making prevention and containment crucial.

Public Urged to Take Precautions

In light of these events, zoo officials and health experts are calling on the public to exercise caution and play their part in preventing the spread of avian flu. Seth Magle, director of the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute, advised, “Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important for our community at large. To protect yourself, do not handle wildlife. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leash away from wildlife.”

As we mourn the loss of Teal and Slater, their tragic deaths serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic diseases. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect both human and animal populations from this evolving threat.