As controversy continues to swirl around the Noah’s Ark animal sanctuary in Locust Grove, a recent outbreak of bird flu has resulted in numerous animal deaths and some people fear there could be more.

State officials came to the facility within the past two weeks and euthanized more than 100 birds and other animals. People who are protesting the current regime’s control of Noah’s Ark are alleging that this is only the latest example of how it is continuing to fail to do its duty regarding the safety and welfare of the animals on site.

A source close to the situation has pointed out that by not acting promptly to quarantine animals when the bird flu was first identified, many more animal deaths have resulted than were necessary.

Protestors have gathered multiple times in recent weeks in front of the Noah’s Ark entrance as well as the homes of facility president Dr. Shelly Lakly and at least one other board member. Lakly is at the center of an ongoing controversy in which she and the current board are accused of taking control of Noah’s Ark from founder/director Jama Hedgecoth, who has led the organization for decades.

Amid a series of shakeups that included the removal from the board of its long-time volunteer veterinarian, allegations have arisen that some of the current staff is not properly trained or experienced enough to care for the animals, which puts their own safety at risk as well as that of the animals.

None of the current leadership is talking to the public. Board chairman Glenn Ross declined to speak at a recent hearing convened in Atlanta by Henry County’s legislative delegation. According to reports, the board has retained legal counsel paid for by Noah’s Ark, while Hedgecoth is paying her own legal costs out of her own pocket.

As of September 5, Hedgecoth was still listed on the Noah’s Ark website as a board member. According to a statement on the home page, the facility is closed to the public until September 30 and is not accepting any community service during this entire month.