Twenty big cats at a wild animal sanctuary in Shelton, Washington, have died from bird flu, devastating the sanctuary workers and affecting their conservation efforts. The non-profit is taking extensive measures to clean and disinfect the facility before reopening to the public next year.
Key Points
Twenty big cats at a wild animal sanctuary in Shelton, Washington, have died from bird flu
The sanctuary workers are grieving the loss and taking measures to clean and disinfect the facility
The sanctuary is under quarantine to protect remaining animals
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reports rise in avian influenza cases across the state
Pros
Efforts to clean and disinfect the sanctuary to prevent further spread of bird flu
Quarantine in place to protect remaining animals from infection
Cons
Devastating loss of 20 big cats, including tigers, cougars, and lynxes