Zoo Tigers in Southern Vietnam Die After Contracting Bird Flu

Hanoi, Vietnam — Over a dozen tigers have died from bird flu at a zoo in southern Vietnam, officials confirmed.

Vietnamese media outlet VNExpress reported that a caretaker at Vuon Xoai Zoo in Bien Hoa City revealed the animals had been fed raw chicken sourced from nearby farms. A panther and 20 tigers, including cubs, perished, with their weights ranging from 10 to 120 kilograms (20 to 265 pounds). The deceased animals were incinerated and buried on the zoo grounds.”The tigers died rapidly, appearing weak and refusing to eat. They succumbed just two days after showing symptoms,” said zoo manager Nguyen Ba Phuc. Testing revealed that the animals were infected with the H5N1 virus, responsible for bird flu. First identified in 1959, H5N1 has since become a serious threat to both migratory birds and poultry, evolving over time. In recent years, this virus has been found in various animals, including domestic pets like dogs and cats, as well as marine life such as sea lions and polar bears.

In felines, the virus has been known to attack the brain, damage blood vessels, and cause severe symptoms like seizures and eventual death.

More than 20 other tigers have been placed in isolation for observation. The zoo is home to approximately 3,000 other animals, including lions, bears, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes.

The 30 staff members responsible for caring for the tigers have tested negative for the virus and are reportedly in good health, according to VNExpress. Additionally, a similar outbreak took place in nearby Long An province, where 27 tigers and 3 lions died over the course of a week in September.

Animal-related flu strains occasionally spread to humans. Health authorities in the United States recently reported that two dairy workers in California were infected, contributing to the 16 total cases found in the country in 2024.

PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker expressed his concern over the deaths, stating, “The loss of 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther at My Quynh Safari and Vuon Xoai Zoo is tragic and underscores the dangers of keeping wild animals in captivity.”

He further warned that this exploitation of wildlife also heightens the risk of future pandemics.

Bird flu has been responsible for hundreds of human fatalities worldwide, predominantly among those who had direct contact with infected birds.

In light of this tragic incident, experts emphasize the importance of implementing strict biosecurity measures in zoos and wildlife facilities. Ensuring safe food sources and regular health checks can help prevent similar outbreaks and protect both animal and human health in the future.

Editor Team