Sheldon, Washington – A devastating outbreak of bird flu has struck the Wild Felid Advocacy Center, resulting in the deaths of 20 big cats, including beloved breeds such as Bengal tigers, cougars, and servals. The shelter announced the tragic news on December 20, 2024, as it deals with the aftermath of this swift and deadly virus.
According to the center, the outbreak began earlier this month, with symptoms first observed on December 2, when several large cats exhibited signs of illness. The sanctuary, which specializes in the care of wild cats, opted to close its doors to the public as they worked closely with veterinary teams to pinpoint the cause. On December 6, health officials confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, which can be contracted by cats through the ingestion of infected birds.
Mark Mathews, the director and co-founder of the nonprofit facility, expressed the magnitude of their loss, stating, “It’s been one big nightmare. I never thought something like this would happen to us.” The sanctuary, located about 22 miles northwest of Olympia, has been hailed for its efforts to protect and rehabilitate wild felines since its inception 20 years ago, making this incident even more heartbreaking.
The Wild Felid Advocacy Center confirmed on December 20, after extensive testing, the loss of over half of its resident felids to this aggressive outbreak. The cats lost include: Tabbi, the Amur/Bengal tiger; four cougars named Hooligan, Holly, Harley, and Hannah Wyoming; five African servals; and various lynxes, bobcats, and domestic breeds. Each animal’s name carries precious memories for the sanctuary’s staff and community.
“We are heartbroken to share this tragic news,” the center stated on its social media, “and the financial strain is very real as we seek to cover the medical costs for our remaining felids.” The shelter is currently under quarantine, and staff are implementing rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent any additional infections and protect the animals still under their care.
Compounding this tragedy is the constant rise of avian flu cases within Washington state. Just weeks before the outbreak at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center, local health authorities had reported increasing bird flu instances, creating heightened awareness and concern among animal health officials.
Mathews explained some of the confusing aspects of the outbreak, as the cats are kept across five acres—well spread out compared to many facilities where cats might be housed closer together. While the exact mode of transmission to the cats is still being examined, the outbreaks are commonly spread through respiratory secretions and contact with infected birds. The sanctuary had hoped to reopen after the initial diagnosis, but the rapid fatalities necessitated stricter containment measures.
The catastrophic effects of this outbreak have left the sanctuary seeking community support to help care for the surviving cats, which has become incredibly burdened financially. Community members worry about the welfare of remaining animals and have begun rallying to lend support. Donations can be made to their PayPal account to assist with mounting medical bills.
Veterinarians have stepped up by providing discounted care, but the medical expenses due to this crisis could lead to considerable financial challenges for the Wild Felid Advocacy Center moving forward. “Now, we turn to the community for support as we focus on the care and recovery of our surviving felids,” the staff expressed, making it clear how deeply this incident has affected both animals and staff alike.
The emotional toll on the team has been significant. Jolie Connolly-Poe, one of the sanctuary's employees, shared her grief: “I’m feeling devastated, kind of in shock. It just feels terrible to take such good care of them, and then something unforeseen takes its toll real fast.” The depth of compassion and dedication exhibited by the staff emphasizes the heartbreaking nature of the situation.
Although the center strives to manage outbreaks through stringent biosecurity and cleaning protocols, the quick progression of the virus showcased how perilous wildlife can be when disease outbreaks occur. Public health officials and wildlife conservation agencies are continuing to monitor other shelters and local wildlife closely, particularly as avian flu enters the conversation about animal health and safety on numerous fronts.
The community’s moral and financial support during this crisis plays a pivotal role as the sanctuary navigates recovery efforts, with Mathews urging: “This tragedy has deeply affected our team and we are asking for your help.”
The survival of the center and its remaining cats hangs in the balance as they seek to stem the tide of loss, combat the spread of disease, and continue the work they are passionate about — protecting vulnerable wild felines from the many threats they face both from nature and human intervention.
