Three puffins at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma have died in recent days, prompting the zoo to temporarily close its outdoor puffin exhibit while veterinarians race to pinpoint the cause. The remaining birds are being treated with antibiotics, staff have blocked off the pathway to the aviary, and guest access to that part of the habitat is on hold. Early findings suggest an avian illness is to blame, although it is still under investigation. No human cases have been reported, but visitors who recently stopped by the puffin area are being asked to keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, preliminary testing points to avian psittacosis as a possible culprit, and zoo staff are working with state and local public health officials while they wait for confirmation. FOX 13 Seattle reports that the surviving puffins are already on antibiotics and that investigators are looking into whether migrating wild birds may have introduced the infection.
In a statement to FOX 13 Seattle, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium director Alan Varsik said, "We are taking this situation seriously. Throughout this process, we've worked closely with state and local public health officials and veterinary experts." He added that the zoo is following expert guidance to safeguard animals, staff, and guests while the probe continues.
The affected birds live in Point Defiance's Rocky Shores habitat, home to tufted and horned puffins and an underwater viewing area where guests can watch seabirds and sea otters cruise past the glass. The zoo says the closure currently only applies to the outdoor pathway leading to the aviary, so most Rocky Shores viewing experiences are still open.
What is psittacosis?
Psittacosis is a respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci and can spread from birds to people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms often include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough that can progress to pneumonia. The disease is typically treatable with antibiotics when recognized early.
Public-health rules and what to do
The Washington State Department of Health considers psittacosis a notifiable condition, which means health care providers, laboratories, and veterinarians must report suspected cases and send specimens for confirmatory testing. State guidance advises anyone who develops respiratory symptoms after bird exposure to tell their medical provider about that exposure so appropriate testing and treatment can be arranged. Public health officials will decide on any additional steps if human cases are confirmed.
How investigators are proceeding
Zoo veterinarians have already collected samples from the birds for laboratory analysis and are treating sick animals while they wait for definitive results. If testing confirms C. psittaci, investigators plan to trace possible exposure sources, including any contact with wild seabirds, and to use standard disinfection and animal care protocols to reduce the risk of further spread.
Visitor information
For now, Rocky Shores and its underwater viewing areas remain open, according to the zoo's visitor information pages, although the outdoor puffin path is off limits. Guests who visited the puffin area recently and start to feel ill should seek medical care and be sure to mention their time at the exhibit to clinicians. Anyone with public health questions is encouraged to reach out to local health authorities or contact the zoo's media line.
