Blue was placed under veterinary observation on Jan. 31, but his condition had not yet been diagnosed when he died earlier this month.

Blue, a 21-year-old harbor seal, is believed to have contracted the virus through contact with a wild bird, zoo officials said.

Tests show bird flu caused the death of a 21-year-old harbor seal at a zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts earlier this month.

Experts say a combination of training and technology were critical to all 76 passengers and four crew members surviving the ...

(Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune) ...