Science & Nature
Bird Flu Kills Harbor Seal and Flamingo at Lincoln Park Zoo, Officials Announce
(Antwon McMullen / iStock)
Two animals at Lincoln Park Zoo have died from bird flu, zoo officials said.
A Chilean flamingo died Jan. 8 and a harbor seal died Jan. 9, with testing confirming highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause, zoo officials said in a news release.
“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 Dr. Kathryn Gamble, director of veterinary services, 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.”
The source of exposure is unknown, but zoo officials said contact with infected waterfowl was almost certainly the cause.
The zoo has been monitoring reports of bird flu cases and had already implemented a response plan to protect its staff and animals, including the use of additional personal protective equipment, removing opportunities for cross contamination between species, and focused monitoring for changes in individual animal health or behavior, officials said.
Following the recent deaths, some bird species will remain behind the scenes, and the McCormick Bird House will be closed until further notice.
Zoo officials said visitors aren’t at risk of contracting avian influenza from zoo animals, which is spread by free-ranging birds via their feces, saliva and nasal secretions.
"It is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors,” said Megan Ross, the zoo’s president and CEO, and an ornithologist as well.
People should, however, avoid handling wildlife in general, said Seth Magle, director of the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute.
“Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leash away from wildlife,” Magle said.
The dead Chilean flamingo was a fall hatchling named Teal; the harbor seal, 7-year-old Slater, was “known for his rambunctious and curious nature.”
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]