TACOMA, Wash. — Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium temporarily closed access to the outdoor puffin pathway on July 14 after the deaths of three puffins and preliminary findings that point to a possible avian disease.
What the zoo has done
Zoo officials sealed off the pathway leading to the outdoor puffin aviary while veterinarians and public health partners continue diagnostic testing. The closure does not completely block views of sea life at the zoo; guests can still observe the remaining puffins and sea otters through the facility’s underwater viewing area.
- Number of birds lost: Three puffins
- Current animal care: Remaining puffins are being treated with antibiotics
- Public health status: No human cases identified to date
- Investigation: Preliminary results suggest possible avian psittacosis; final test results are pending
Health risks and visitor guidance
Point Defiance Zoo officials emphasized that while the suspected disease can be transmitted from animals to people, such human infections are very rare. Guests who visited the puffin exhibit recently have been asked to monitor themselves for symptoms including chills, headaches, muscle aches, shortness of breath and a dry cough.
"We are taking this situation seriously. Throughout this process, we've worked closely with state and local public health officials and veterinary experts. We are following their guidance to protect the health of our animals, staff, and guests."
Investigation and local context
Zoo veterinarians are exploring potential exposure from migrating wild birds as part of the ongoing investigation. Testing for avian diseases can take time; zoo and public health officials are awaiting confirmatory results before announcing final findings or any long-term changes to exhibit operations.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Outdoor puffin pathway | Sealed off (temporary) |
| Puffins remaining at zoo | Being treated with antibiotics |
| Human cases | None identified |
| Cause | Preliminary: suspected avian psittacosis; testing pending |
What this means for Tacoma residents
The closure highlights the intersection of wildlife health and public safety in a city where outdoor wildlife viewing is a regular family activity. For Tacoma residents, the immediate impacts include restricted access to a popular exhibit and increased engagement between the zoo and public health authorities. Officials recommend anyone who visited the affected exhibit recently to watch for symptoms and to contact their healthcare provider if they become ill.
Point Defiance Zoo continues to coordinate with state and local public health agencies. Officials say they will update the public when additional test results are available and when it is safe to reopen the outdoor puffin area.
