Tweeters,

I am sad to report that the second WAMU Peregrine was found dead this morning
when zoo vet staff arrived for the morning feeding and medication. A
preliminary examination found a piece of quail lodged in the bird's throat.
A more detailed necropsy is being preformed to to determine if that was the
cause of death.

The bird had been eating on its own since mid last week and seemed to be
doing well and gaining weight. There was some weight loss over the 4th and
yesterday. However, she seemed active, vocalising and enthusiastically
tearing into the quail. Ability to swallow had been a concern of the staff
due to the amount of infected tissue in the bird's throat. More as
information becomes available. As you might imagine there is a lot of media
interest.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo