LINCOLN PARK — Two animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo — a flamingo and a seal — died this month after contracting bird flu, the zoo announced Wednesday.
A Chilean flamingo named Teal, who hatched last fall and “was just getting acquainted with her flock and keepers,” died on Jan. 8, the zoo said in a statement.
The second animal, a harbor seal named Slater, was 7 years old and “was a beloved seal known for his rambunctious and curious nature,” zoo officials said. Slater died Jan. 9.
The deaths come amid a spike in cases of bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.
This is the first time Lincoln Park Zoo has dealt with cases of bird flu in animals under its care, Kathryn Gamble, the zoo’s director of veterinary services, said in a statement.
“This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team,” Gamble said. “Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals. While highly pathogenic avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in free-ranging waterfowl, more mammal species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI since 2022.”
Zoo officials have not confirmed the source of exposure, but said it is likely the animals came into contact with an infected waterfowl. The virus spreads through saliva, nasal secretions and feces of infected birds, officials said.
While the risk of HPAI remains low for humans and pets, the recent deaths highlight the need for vigilance, zoo officials said.
“Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important for our community at large,” said Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo. “To protect yourself, do not handle wildlife. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on a leash away from wildlife.”
According to the CDC, people at higher risk of contracting bird flu include farmers, backyard flock owners, animal care workers and public health responders working with infected animals.
Maureen Murray, assistant director of One Health at the Urban Wildlife Institute, previously told Block Club that residents should take down bird feeders for the season and keep cats indoors to reduce their exposure to the virus.
Despite the confirmed cases, Lincoln Park Zoo officials said visitors are not at risk of contracting bird flu from the animals.
To protect the zoo’s animals, some bird species will remain behind the scenes, and the McCormick Bird House will be closed until further notice, zoo officials said.
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