Officials at Lincoln Park Zoo report deaths of Harbor seal and Chilean flamingo from highly pathjsonic avian influenza

CHICAGO (WLS) — A harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo died from the bird flu this month at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, officials said.

The flamingo died January 8 and the seal died January 9, the Lincoln Park Zoo said.

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The cause of death for both animals has been confirmed as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, the zoo said.

“Lincoln Park Zoo announced the passing of Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal, in a recent statement. Teal, who recently hatched, was just starting to bond with her group and caretakers. On the other hand, Slater, a 7-year-old seal, was cherished for his lively and inquisitive personality. He had a talent for learning quickly and often took part in training exercises with the caretakers. Their absence will be deeply felt.”

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The zoo said visitors are not at risk at contracting HPAI from zoo animals.

“According to Megan Ross, Ph.D., the President & CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo and an expert in birds, the danger of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which is transmitted by wild birds, poses no greater threat at the zoo than when outdoors,”. “The zoo remains a secure environment where visitors can still interact with the animals under our protection.”