Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has lost a Flamingo, it has been shut down by bird flu

Avian Influenza has claimed the lives of a Harbor Seal and a Chilean Flamingo at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.

The zoo announced that they received results confirming that the most dangerous Avian Influenza is the cause of the death of Teal, the Chile Flamingo, and Slater, the Harbor Seal.

“This is sad news for wildlife and the zoo team. Not only are we dealing with the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we have lost two amazing animals,” said Director of Animal Services Lester E. Fisher and Dr. Kathryn Gamble in a statement. “Although the most virulent avian influenza is a virus that occurs naturally in free-ranging waterfowl, many mammalian species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI as of 2022.”

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The zoo could not confirm the source of exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control says HPAI is spread through the saliva, nasal discharge and feces of infected birds.

They say zoo visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease from animals at the Lincoln Park zoo.

“Because the most dangerous bird flu is spread by free-ranging birds, it’s less dangerous to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outside,” said President & CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross. “The zoo is always a safe place to interact with the animals in our care.”

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The zoo announced that they found results confirming that the most dangerous Avian Influenza is the cause of Teal, the Chile Flamingo and Slater, the death of the Harbor Seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

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The zoo has been monitoring HPAI, so there is a response plan in place. The program deals with workers and animals. It includes personal protection and eliminating cross-species contamination while monitoring individual animal behavior, according to the zoo’s statement. They have also closed the McCormick Bird House and will be closed until further notice.

The zoo announced that they found results confirming that the most dangerous Avian Influenza is the cause of Teal, the Chile Flamingo and Slater, the death of the Harbor Seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

The zoo also said in its statement that it is important to keep pets indoors and away from wild animals.

“Sharing this news about the most dangerous bird flu in the area is important to our entire community,” said Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Magle. “To protect yourself, do not handle wild animals. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on a leash away from wild animals.”