Editor note: Due to space constraints, the number of media inside the barn may have to be staggered. The barn lighting is dim. You may bring extra lighting, which staff will test to evaluate any stress on the birds. Media waiting may conduct interviews or photograph the other birds in the outdoor raptor yard.

What:
To provide a safe environment for its valued wildlife and more than 1 million annual visitors, Woodland Park Zoo is beefing up its proactive measures in anticipation of the West Nile virus (WNV). Media are invited Thursday, April 24, 11:00 a.m., to a vaccination session for the zoo’s raptors. Veterinarians from the zoo and Washington State Department of Agriculture, and a representative from Public Health-Seattle & King County will be available for interviews.

The session marks the third and final round of inoculations recommended for the birds of prey. A vaccine for equines is currently the only WNV vaccine commercially available.

When:
Thursday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where:
Woodland Park Zoo’s Raptor Barn. Enter through the ARC near the West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. You can proceed to the Raptor Barn or wait for zoo staff.

Why:
The West Nile virus, previously found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East, was first detected in the U.S. in 1999. As the virus continued its coast-to-coast sweep, Woodland Park Zoo implemented a plan last year to minimize the health threat to its wildlife residents and to monitor and control mosquito activity.

Visuals:
Approximately 17-20 raptors will be vaccinated including a bald eagle, peregrine falcon, spectacled owl, turkey vulture and Harris’s hawk.

Who:
Senior Veterinarian Dr. Janis Joslin, Woodland Park Zoo; State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Mead, Washington State Department of Agriculture; Public Information Officer Hilary Karasz-Dominguez, Public Health-Seattle & King County.