Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary is a facility in Locust Grove, Georgia that has been making news due to an unfortunate avian flu outbreak. Over 100 resident birds have been euthanized due to possible exposure to the virus. This is the worst case I've heard of from the recent flu outbreak in the country . The remaining resident birds will need to be quarantined for several months and the entire sanctuary is currently closed until September 30. Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary could take months to reopen amid avian flu outbreak
It sounds like they didn't take proper precautions, and instead of monitoring animals they're choosing to euthanize everything that could possibly be 'high risk'.
Just to add to this, it wasn't Noah's Ark that wanted to or did euthanize the birds, it was the Department Of Agriculture. The sanctuary said they had a plan in place for dealing with the outbreak, but the government officials didn't take time to review it and just began killing the birds. Granted, the sanctuary does deserve part of the blame for not taking preemptive precautions before the outbreak occurred. This article has some more details. Protests outside Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary as state tries to contain avian flu outbreak
This is why zoos are overly cautious with bird flu restrictions. The USDA’s default response to bird flu outbreaks is to euthanize all birds on site. This is most common in poultry farms. Two hundred birds euthanized is far from the worst that’s been done there. This is tragic because of the species involved, but it is not at all out of line with government policy.
It's a little hard to believe they had plans in place that were acceptable when this preemptive killing hasn't been done at any other zoo or rescue.
Problems brewing down at the sanctuary following the outbreak. Employee walk-offs shortly after, siting bad conditions. Big conflicts between board members and the founder, leaving the future of the sanctuary in a bit of a rough spot. Noah’s Ark board member makes public statement for first time since state investigations
Due to the major HPAI outbreak and other factors, they will not reopen until February. Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary to remain closed for months after bird flu outbreak
Things getting pretty bad at Noah's Ark as Georgia senator Emanuel Jones calls for attorney general to investigate them on claims of animal abuse. The sanctuary is also being sued for animal neglect by a former veterinarian and animal rights groups. GA Sen. Jones urges investigation of Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary | 11alive.com Animal advocacy group, former employees sue Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Endangered Species Act The facility has not ended up reopening to the public, though you can visit if you pay $75 for a 'Wow tour'.
Although still going through legal issues, Noah's Ark announced on their website that they will finally be reopening to the public on October 27. The animal habitat admission will cost $10 (I believe it was free prior to the public closure).
It is such a shame when a facility, which claims to be a "sanctuary" for animals in need, is not giving the animals the life the deserve. They just went from one bad home to another.