Bird Flu Kills 20 Big Cats at Shelton Sanctuary, Shocking Conservation Community
Twenty big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington, have tragically died from bird flu. The devastating outbreak happened around Thanksgiving, leaving sanctuary staff and conservationists heartbroken.
The sanctuary, which spans five acres, is home to tigers, cougars, lynxes, and bobcats. The virus infected more than half of the sanctuary’s big cats. The staff are now focused on cleaning and preparing the facility for a hopeful reopening next year.
Mark Mathews, Director and Co-Founder of the sanctuary, described the outbreak as a “nightmare.” He expressed disbelief, saying, “I never thought something like this would happen to us. Our cats are spread out, not crowded together.”
Among the lost animals was Tabbi, a beloved tiger, who held a special place in the hearts of the staff. Mathews shared that before Thanksgiving, the sanctuary had 37 cats, but now only 17 remain, with four still in recovery.
Jolie Connolly-Poe, a sanctuary worker, recalled how Harley, a cougar, showed clear signs of distress despite treatment. The illness progressed rapidly, and recovery was not possible.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is highly contagious among wild birds. It spreads through respiratory droplets and bird droppings. Mammals, including cats, can become infected after coming into contact with contaminated birds or surfaces.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has reported a rise in avian influenza cases across the state. Symptoms in infected cats appear quickly, often leading to fatal complications like pneumonia.
Sanctuary staff are now working tirelessly to disinfect the facility, care for the surviving animals, and prevent further outbreaks. The loss of these majestic animals is not only a blow to the sanctuary but also to global wild cat conservation efforts.
The Wild Felid Advocacy Center plans to honor the memory of the lost cats while continuing its mission to protect and care for endangered wild species.
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