Three puffins die from suspected parrot fever at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium closed its puffin habitat after a third bird died from suspected avian disease in the last month, an illness that can spread to humans.
Three tufted puffins have died since June 23, zoo spokesperson Tessa Miller told The News Tribune.
Though unconfirmed, their deaths are suspected to be caused by avian psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, the zoo announced in a news release.
Zoo officials are investigating the source of the disease, which could potentially be caused by exposure to wild birds.
Humans can contract the disease, but risks to zoo guests is “believed to be low,” according to the release. No active human cases associated with the zoo have been reported so far.
While the zoo awaits results from lab tests confirming the disease, it’s taking precautionary measures to keep both animals and humans safe, including temporarily closing the outdoor puffin aviary. It will remain closed until zoo veterinarians and public health experts determine it is safe to reopen.
All remaining puffins are being treated with antibiotics, according to the release, and animal-care staff will wear enhanced personal protective equipment. The zoo plans to deep clean the aviary prior to reopening.
Guests can still sneak peeks of the puffins and sea lions from the underwater viewing area.
If you visited the outdoor puffin exhibit in the past several weeks, the zoo suggests monitoring yourself for these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- General fatigue
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath or pneumonia
If you begin to exhibit symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and let them know you may have been exposed to birds with suspected avian psittacosis, the release said.
The illness is typically treated with a few weeks of antibiotics.
Infections occur when people breathe in dust from contaminated bird droppings or respiratory secretions. Symptoms typically develop between five and 14 days after exposure.
Person-to-person transmission is very rare, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 4:35 PM.
