Avian influenza has dealt a devastating blow to the Patagonian elephant seal population. According to a study published in the journal *Marine Mammal Science*, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza that struck in 2023 nearly wiped out all seal pups on the Península Valdés, and the number of adult seal deaths remains unknown. The researchers predict that it could take the population up to 100 years to return to its 2022 levels. The outbreak, which primarily affected newborn pups, led to a significant reduction in their numbers. Since the pandemic began, scientists have been closely monitoring the population and using models to forecast its future. Their findings indicate that the impact of the disease is profound and long-lasting, with the potential for a century-long recovery period. The southern elephant seal is one of the most important marine mammals in the Southern Hemisphere, and its rapid decline has had a substantial impact on the local ecosystem. Researchers believe that the outbreak may be linked to environmental changes and human activities, and they stress the need for increased protective measures to safeguard these valuable species. While the exact number of adult seal deaths is not yet known, the study team asserts that the pandemic has already caused irreversible damage to the population. They are calling on the international community to pay attention to this issue and implement effective strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future. This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the serious threat that infectious diseases pose to wildlife populations. Through ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts, there is hope that we can contribute to the recovery of ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity.