A wild animal sanctuary in Washington state is mourning the loss of 20 big cats due to a deadly outbreak of bird flu. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center is working to recover and reopen after this devastating incident.
Twenty big cats at a wild animal sanctuary in Shelton have died from the bird flu. It happened within a matter of days around Thanksgiving, and now the non-profit is preparing to clean so it can reopen to the public next year. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center announced more than half of its big cats as of December have been infected with bird flu. 'It’s been one big nightmare.
I never thought something like this would happen to us,' Wild Felid Advocacy Center Director and Co-Founder Mark Mathews told KOMO News. 'Maybe only at a facility that had cats near each other, and ours are spread out over five acres.' The tragedy has deeply affected the sanctuary workers who are grieving the loss of 20 animals that were part of worldwide wild cat conservation efforts. They include tigers, cougars, lynxes, bobcats, and other big cats. 'Tabbi, she was my favorite tiger,' Mathews added. 'Before Thanksgiving, we had 37 cats. Today, we have 17 cats, four recovering.' 'Usually, when a vet comes out and they do immobilization, they start to feel better, and with Harley , it was different because he made it pretty obvious he wasn’t feeling better after his treatment,' said Jolie Connolly-Poe with the sanctuary. The viral infection carried by wild birds can spread through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact and can impact other mammals that eat birds or bird droppings.avian influenza cases are on the rise across the state. Cats are particularly vulnerable, and symptoms happen fast, often killing the animals within days from conditions like pneumonia. ' feeling devastated. Kind of in shock. It just feels terrible that you take such good care of them, and then something unforeseen takes its toll real fast,' Connolly-Poe said. 'Just taking good care of those recovering.' Mathews explained in his 20 years running the sanctuary, he and his volunteers never experienced anything like thi
BIRD FLU BIG CATS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY WASHINGTON STATE CONSERVATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bird Flu Outbreak Kills 20 Big Cats at Washington SanctuaryThe Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is battling a devastating bird flu outbreak that has claimed the lives of 20 big cats, including a Bengal tiger. The shelter has closed to the public to quarantine the remaining animals and is working with authorities to contain the virus.
Read more »
Bird Flu Detected in Texas City BirdGalveston County Health District confirms first case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a bird found in Texas City. Officials urge residents to be cautious when handling sick or dead birds.
Read more »
2 cougars, raccoon in Washington recently diagnosed with bird fluBiologists and veterinarians with the WDFW said they are seeing an increase in likely cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Washington wildlife.
Read more »
Bird Flu Claims Lives of Dozens of Big Cats at Washington SanctuaryA Washington State wild cat sanctuary is facing a devastating loss as bird flu claims the lives of over two dozen big cats.
Read more »
California Declares State of Emergency Over Bird Flu OutbreakCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the spread of bird flu. This will help streamline the state's response and provide flexibility to agencies. Cases have been detected in dairy cows and previously in raw milk.
Read more »
California declares state of emergency over bird flu outbreakDespite signing the declaration, Gov. Gavin Newsom says the risk to the public 'remains low.'
Read more »