In a shocking turn of events, twenty big cats, including a rare half-Bengal tiger and four cougars, tragically lost their lives between late November and mid-December due to a bird flu outbreak at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington. Mark Mathews, the director and founder of the sanctuary, expressed his disbelief, stating, "We’ve never had anything like it; they usually die basically of old age. Not something like this, it’s a pretty wicked virus."

The outbreak first manifested within the sanctuary's cougar population, as several cats began displaying pneumonia-like symptoms. The rapid progression of the virus resulted in the first fatality on November 23, when a cougar succumbed to the infection. Sadly, the last cat to die, an African serval, passed on December 13, marking a devastating loss for the facility.

Currently, the sanctuary is in quarantine and has temporarily closed its doors while undergoing extensive sanitization procedures to prevent further spread. Only 17 cats remain at the facility. As part of their efforts, sanctuary officials have been working diligently with veterinary specialists to determine the virus's origin. The potential sources could include wild bird droppings contaminating the habitats or the feed provided to the cats.

In a precautionary measure, the center disposed of 8,000 pounds of food stored in a freezer. Mathews detailed the extensive sanitation protocols being implemented: "We have to disinfect each habitat. Any straw or organic matter needs to be bagged and burned, followed by disinfection, and then left to settle for a couple of weeks."

To add to the concerns, California has recently reported a significant bird flu epidemic affecting its dairy cattle, with 645 dairies experiencing infections. Meanwhile, human cases of avian flu in the United States have also spiked, with at least 61 cases reported, although most individuals have experienced only mild symptoms.

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center serves as a refuge for big cats that have been neglected or abandoned, providing a sanctuary where they can live safely. Among the dearly departed were not just the notable half-Bengal tiger, Tabbi, and the cougars Hooligan, Holly, Harley, and Hannah Wyoming, but also a rich diversity of species, including an African caracal named Crackle, two Canada lynx cats, and various bobcats and servals.

As the sanctuary mourns the loss of these magnificent animals, Mathews remains hopeful for the one cat still in critical condition, saying, “It looks like the virus has taken its course. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the remaining cats remain safe and healthy.”

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing battle against zoonotic diseases and the emerging impact they have on animal sanctuaries worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as efforts to completely sanitize the facility and restore its vibrant population continue.