Sudden and unexplained illness in honeycreepers reported at Maui Bird Conservation Center
Representatives with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have released a statement expressing sadness following an increase in honeycreeper deaths at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. The sudden and unexplained illness has impacted birds at the facility, primarily ʻakikiki.
“All available resources have been directed toward identifying the cause and preventing further losses,” said SDZWA Lead Public Relations Representative, Emily Senninger.
According to Senninger, a comprehensive investigation is underway, led by a team of experts in veterinary medicine, toxicology, pathology, conservation science, and wildlife husbandry. It includes an environmental assessment, toxicology testing, review of prior deaths, and a suite of diagnostics to investigate possible infectious diseases.
“Based on initial tests, avian influenza virus and malaria are ruled out,” according to the Alliance.
The organizations acknowledged that the Maui Bird Conservation Center has provided necessary refuge to Hawaiian birds facing rapid decline in their native range for more than two decades.
“Each bird lost is an irreplaceable individual, mourned by those dedicated to its care and recovery and by the many people for whom the survival of Hawaiian honeycreepers holds deep cultural and ecological significance,” according to the statement.
“We will continue this investigation with urgency and scientific rigor and will provide updates as new information becomes available,” the organization concluded.
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