The Bergen County Zoo’s Bald Eagle has been removed from his exhibit for his protection due to the Avian Influenza outbreak. 

He is currently being housed in an off-exhibit portion of the zoo that is enclosed to prevent contact with the wild birds that could spread influenza. Although he has the ability to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather in his off-exhibit space, we are hoping that conditions will allow us to return him to his exhibit soon. If you take the train ride, you may be able to catch a glimpse of him behind the chicken coop!
 

Avian Influenza or “Bird Flu” is an illness caused by the influenza A virus and it is distributed worldwide. The concern in the United States is with the H5N1 variant which causes high mortality in poultry (chickens and turkeys) as well as in many other animals and humans. Because of its lethal effect on chickens, this strain is designated Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and closely monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
 

Not all types of birds become ill with HPAI. Waterfowl such as ducks can be carriers of this virus and spread it to other birds through their droppings. Eagles appear to be highly susceptible to the virus and there have been 8 HPAI related eagle deaths in New Jersey since 2021.   Because of the risk of waterfowl or other birds spreading the virus, we are waiting for the peak Spring migration to assess the risk of putting our eagle in his unprotected exhibit.

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For more information about HPAI, check out the USDA website:

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For information on how HPAI can affect people, see the information from the CDC:

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 For information on how HPAI affects pet dogs, cats and backyard poultry, see the the AVMA website:​

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For information on bird migration in our area:

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