A Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal have died from bird flu at Lincoln Park Zoo, raising concerns about wildlife health.
Chicago: It’s a sad day at Lincoln Park Zoo. They just announced that a Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal have died from bird flu. The flamingo, named Teal, was just getting used to her new home. She hatched last fall and was still getting to know her flock and keepers.
Then there’s Slater, the 7-year-old seal. He was a real character, always curious and eager to learn. He loved participating in training sessions with the staff. Both animals will be missed dearly.
Teal passed away on January 8, and Slater followed the next day. The zoo is still figuring out how they got exposed to the H5N1 virus. They think it might have come from contact with infected waterfowl.
Dr. Kathryn Gamble, the zoo’s veterinary services director, expressed her sadness over losing these two amazing animals. She mentioned that this is the first known case of highly pathogenic avian influenza affecting animals at the zoo.
Visitors to the zoo are not at risk of catching bird flu. Megan Ross, the zoo’s president, reassured everyone that visiting the zoo is as safe as taking a walk outside. The zoo is a great place to connect with animals.
Bird flu has been linked to one human death in Louisiana, but most cases have been in people working with livestock. The CDC reported nearly 11,000 wild birds have been infected since 2022.
Recently, a bald eagle in Hinsdale was euthanized after showing signs of bird flu. The virus spreads through the saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings of infected birds.
Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute, emphasized the importance of community awareness. He advised people not to handle wildlife and to keep pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leashes.
Before these incidents, the zoo had already been monitoring bird flu reports and had a response plan in place. They’ve been cautious, halting interactions between species and closely watching the health of their animals.
