How many animals died in Washington state sanctuary? Death toll rises as wild cats killed by bird flu 

The Washington State Sanctuary is currently facing a crisis as it has lost tens of its big cats. The untimely fatalities are the result of the spread of bird flu among the animals in the facility.

About two weeks ago, the officials at the Wild Field Advocacy Center of Washington in Shelton announced the presence of bird flu at the sanctuary. As a result, they closed the center and quarantined for the well-being of their animals.

However, on December 20, the center confirmed the passing of 20 of its big cats via a statement on their Facebook page. The statement read,

"We are heartbroken to share that animal health officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among over half of our wild felids as of December 2024."

The facility further shared information about how the flu was spread in the Washington State Sanctuary.

"This devastating viral infection, carried by wild birds, spreads primarily through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact and can also be contracted by carnivorous mammals that ingest birds or other products."

"Cats are particularly vulnerable to this virus, which can cause subtle initial symptoms but progress rapidly, often resulting in death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions."

The center further confirmed the 20 cats that died due to the flu. They have so far lost a Bengal Tiger named Tabbi, four Cougars named Holly, Hooligan, Harley, and Hannah Wyoming, one African Caracal Crackle, one Geoffroy cat Mouse, Pebbels, their Bengal Cat, one Eurasian Lynx named Thumper, and two Canada Lynx named Chuckies and P'uch'ub.

Four Bobcats named Digger, Ruffian, Tank, and Willie-Bob, and five African Servals Nile, Nefertiti, Shasta, Blondie, and Willie-Bob also died due to the infection.

How many cats the Washington State Sanctuary has left?

The Washington State Sanctuary now has only 17 cats. It is working closely with the animal health authorities at the state and federal levels to ensure the safety of everyone present in the sanctuary.

The founder and director of the sanctuary Mark Mathews told the New York Times that the Washington State Sanctuary's team will disinfect each habitat following the spread of the infection.

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"Any straw or organic matter needs to come out and be bagged and then burned, and then we have to disinfect again. Then we have to let it set for a couple weeks," Mathews added.

The sanctuary has also urged people to make considerable donations to support the ongoing care of the animals. The authorities are anticipating to reopen the sanctuary by New Year.

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