Urgent Announcement: HPAI Outbreak at Our Sanctuary. 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. 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. To protect our remaining animals and prevent further spread, our sanctuary is under quarantine and will remain closed to the public until further notice. We are working closely with federal and state animal health authorities, as well as Mason County health officials, to ensure the safety of our state, volunteers, and all animals in our care. In addition, we are working closely with our incredible, expert private veterinarians on prevention strategies while they oversee treatment to protect animal welfare. As an animal sanctuary, we are equipped to manage outbreaks through:

Strict biosecurity measures, quarantining affected animals, and

comprehensive disinfection protocols.