Flamingo and Seal Die from Bird Flu at Lincoln Park Zoo

Summary:

Chicago, IL – The deaths of a Chilean flamingo and harbor seal at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago have been traced to an outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, according to a statement from zoo officials on Wednesday. The zoo’s bird house will be closed for an undetermined period of time to protect the other animals. Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, was responsible for the deaths of a Chilean flamingo on Jan. 8 and a harbor seal on Jan. 9.

“The zoo is saddened by the loss of a Chilean flamingo named Teal and a harbor seal named Slater,” the zoo said in a statement posted to its website on Wednesday. “Teal hatched this fall and was just getting acquainted with her flock and keepers,” the statement continued. “Slater was 7 years old and was a beloved seal known for his rambunctious and curious nature. He was a quick learner and often could be seen participating in training sessions with keepers.”

The statement explained that it had not yet been confirmed how either of the two animals had been exposed to bird flu. However, “it is near certain the cause is from contact with a waterfowl infected with HPAI,” which is the virus known as bird flu, the statement explained.

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