On Nov. 14, 2024, officials at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle announced that a red-breasted goose had died and was the first suspected case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at the zoo. The goose passed away earlier in the week and the zoo received preliminary positive HPAI test results that were confirmed.

Health and safety precautions have been enacted at the zoo in response to increased HPAI cases being reported across the state and region. The zoo has implemented increased and additional health and safety precautions to protect their birds, staff and guests, until the viral threat subsides.

The impacted goose, and the other red-breasted geese that shared space with that animal, lived in an off-exhibit, behind-the-scenes pool area and guests have not been exposed to or in contact with these animals. For the safety of the remaining geese, their caretakers, and for all other animals who reside near them, the geese were moved to a quarantine area for up to 120 days so that staff with proper Personal protective equipment (PPE) can monitor the flock and decrease potential impacts on humans and animals.

Red-breasted geese are a rare, threatened species and it is the hope of Woodland Park Zoo to protect and support a healthy population.