The recent outbreak of bird flu has had a devastating impact on a sanctuary in Washington, leading to the death of over half of its big cat population. This situation has raised concerns about the spread of bird flu and its implications for wildlife and domestic animals alike. Observations indicate that despite the large space of 5 acres, the disease affected a significant number of the sanctuary's cats, prompting questions regarding transmission routes. The sanctuary is facing financial strain due to the need to dispose of all feed and is seeking donations to recover. The wider context suggests a troubling trend of bird flu potentially leading to bigger outbreaks, as highlighted by ongoing discussions about its control and management.