Rare animals at zoos, such as lions, cheetahs, tigers, and other birds, are suffering from a considerable mortality rate due to bird flu. Bird flu hits zoos, causing fatalities across various species and locations. A cheetah, Indian goose, mountain lion, and kookaburra were among the creatures that died at the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona, in the United States. A wild red-shouldered hawk that was discovered dead on the San Francisco Zoo’s grounds tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV), prompting the zoo to close its aviaries. Additionally, a rare red-breasted goose died in Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, prompting the closure of aviaries and the suspension of penguin feeding. Three lions, one panther, and forty-seven tigers perished in Vietnam during the summer.

Researchers Highlight Risks and Need for Precautions

Experts caution that bird flu hits zoos especially hard, with serious consequences for zoo-housed endangered species. The potentially deadly effects on birds and animals, including large cats, were highlighted by Dr. Connor Bamford of Queen’s University Belfast. Scientists think that wild birds entering zoo cages, especially during migration seasons, are responsible for spreading the diseases. Increasing zoo biosecurity and immunising zoo animals are two ways to handle the crisis. Measures like netting bird cages during high-risk times might lessen the threat, particularly for endangered species, according to virologist Dr. Ed Hutchinson.

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Global Spread and Wider Implications of Bird Flu

Bird flu is still spreading around the world, affecting both domestic and wild species. A variant has killed millions of wild animals in North America, South America, Africa, and Eurasia since 2020; it finally made its way to Antarctica in late 2023. It has spread to cattle in the US, affecting more than half of California’s dairy operations and causing two staff to test positive. While certain areas, such as the UK and EU, allow licensed bird flu vaccinations for confined animals, unlike the US, Prof. Ian Brown of the Pirbright Institute suggested that zoos take extra cleanliness precautions.

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