‘We’ve lost two amazing animals:’ Harbor seal, Chilean flamingo at Chicago zoo die from bird flu

Key Takeaways:

• Two animals at a Chicago zoo died from bird flu: a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo.
• Officials state the source of exposure is unclear but likely from an infected waterfowl.
• The zoo mourns the loss, expressing that they’ve “lost two amazing animals.”
• Investigations are ongoing to determine how the virus entered the zoo environment.

A Sudden Loss at the Chicago Zoo

Two beloved residents of a Chicago zoo—a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo—have died after contracting bird flu, leaving the zoo community in mourning. “We’ve lost two amazing animals,” officials lamented, underscoring the emotional impact of the unexpected deaths.

Unclear Sources of Exposure

The precise sources of exposure remain a mystery. Despite the uncertainty, officials believe it was almost certainly due to contact with an infected waterfowl. The zoo is currently investigating how the animals might have come into contact with the virus within their enclosures.

The Impact of Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, affects both wild and domesticated bird species. The deaths of the harbor seal and flamingo highlight the virus’s ability to cross species barriers, raising concerns about the health of other zoo inhabitants.

Zoo Community in Mourning

The loss has deeply affected zoo staff and visitors alike. Both the harbor seal and the Chilean flamingo were cherished by those who cared for them daily and by guests who enjoyed observing them.

Ongoing Investigations

As investigations continue, the zoo aims to uncover how the virus breached their containment measures. Understanding the pathway of exposure is crucial in preventing future incidents and protecting the remaining animals in their care.