Lincoln Park Zoo reports the deaths of a harbor seal and a flamingo due to avian flu, raising concerns about wildlife health.

Zoo officials are scratching their heads about how the flamingo and seal got infected. They think it might have been from contact with sick waterfowl, but they’re not sure. It’s tough news for the zoo team, who are mourning the loss of these two amazing animals.
Avian flu spreads through the droppings, saliva, and nasal secretions of infected birds. It can even jump to humans if someone comes into contact with an infected animal. The CDC warns that it can enter through the eyes, nose, or mouth, or even through breathing it in.
Just recently, a man in Louisiana became the first human casualty of this outbreak. But don’t worry, the zoo is still open and safe for visitors. Some bird species will be kept behind the scenes for now, but the zoo is still a great place to enjoy.
Megan Ross, the zoo’s president, reassured everyone that visiting the zoo is just as safe as taking a stroll outside. They’ve ramped up safety measures for both staff and animals, like using extra protective gear and monitoring animal health closely.
Seth Magle, who runs the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute, emphasized the importance of sharing this news. He advised folks to avoid handling wildlife and to keep pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leashes away from wild animals. It’s all about keeping our community safe during this outbreak.