On Jan. 15, 2025,  officials from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago reported that testing had confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of death for a Chilean flamingo on January 8 and harbor seal on January 9.

The zoo is saddened by the loss of a Chilean flamingo named Teal and a harbor seal named Slater. Teal hatched this fall and was just getting acquainted with her flock and keepers. Slater was 7 years old and was a beloved seal known for his rambunctious and curious nature. He was a quick learner and often could be seen participating in training sessions with keepers. Both will be deeply missed.

While the confirmed source of exposure is unknown for either case, it is near certain the cause is from contact with a waterfowl infected with HPAI. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control shares that HPAI is spread through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of infected birds.

Prior to these results, the zoo had been monitoring HPAI reports and had enacted its multi-tier proactive HPAI Response Plan which addresses considerations for staff and animals alike. Such measures include additional personal protective equipment, removing opportunities for cross contamination between species, and focused monitoring for changes in individual animal health or behavior. To protect the animals in the zoo’s care, some bird species will remain behind the scenes and the McCormick Bird House will be closed until further notice.