Heavy metal poisoning can be a problem in wild and captive birds.1 In the United States, aquatic birds housed in zoologic environments are at risk of zinc toxicosis because of the common practice of throwing coins — including zinc-containing pennies— into exhibit pools and ponds. PRESENTATION AND CLINICAL SIGNS: A 2-year-old male king eider (Somateria spectabilis) was presented to the veterinary service at the San Diego Zoo with weight loss and isolating behaviors characteristic of illness. The bird, a resident of the zoo, was responsive.
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