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Harbor Seal Dies From Bird Flu

Incident Date:
02/05/2025
Location:
New Bedford, MA - USA
Facility Name:
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Marine
Animal:
Harbor Seal
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

NEW BEDFORD, MA – Zoo officials at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts, announced that a 21-year-old harbor seal named “Blue,” had just died from the deadly bird flu virus.

According to zoo officials, the harbor seal had started to act out of sorts on January 31st, prompting officials to place him under immediate veterinary care. Treatment was provided, and diagnostic testing was done. However, the results had not yet come in before Blue died unexpectedly on February 5th.

Blue’s sudden death prompted officials to close the zoo for the rest of that day. Zoo officials have indicated that they are closely monitoring the remaining wildlife and wild birds at their facility since Blue’s passing and diagnosis, in addition to taking preventative measures,

Action take by Born Free USA:

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