A New York billionaire is financially supporting a British Columbia ostrich farm's legal fight against a government order to cull its flock of about 400 birds due to an avian flu outbreak. John Catsimatidis, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, has contributed approximately $35,000 to Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the cull order following the detection of H5N1 flu, which resulted in the deaths of 69 ostriches at the farm.

In a recent interview, Catsimatidis, who has a net worth of $4.5 billion and owns an oil refinery and a grocery store chain, claimed responsibility for bringing attention to the ostrich farm by discussing the issue with Trump administration officials. He also reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney, suggesting a joint public statement to promote "cross-border compassion" and highlighting the significant amount of Canadian oil his businesses import.

"I think the Canadian people and the people of the United States are one people. We depend on each other. We've always depended on each other, and we have to help each other, because we're in the same boat," Catsimatidis stated.

His letter to Carney emphasized the importance of economic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Canada, asserting that their shared interests extend beyond trade to include a moral obligation to act humanely. Carney's office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

David Tindall, a sociology professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that it is not unusual for wealthy individuals to support causes in other countries. He speculated that the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada might encourage some Trump supporters to influence Canadian issues. However, he clarified that this does not constitute foreign interference under legal definitions.

"What we might think about as philosophical political influence is fair game," Tindall explained. He added that while some Canadians may be uncomfortable with foreign influence, there are no legal repercussions for such actions.

Catsimatidis learned about the ostrich farm from Katie Pasitney, the co-owner's daughter, who contacted his New York radio station. He became increasingly interested in the situation and discussed it with friends, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, both of whom have advocated for the birds' preservation.

The CFIA maintains that the cull is necessary to prevent the virus from mutating, stating that even healthy-looking ostriches can spread disease. The agency has not received evidence of any research being conducted at the farm to support the argument that the surviving birds pose no threat.

Tindall remarked that the case reflects broader populist sentiments regarding vaccines and responses to viruses like COVID-19. He suggested that Catsimatidis's involvement may represent an attempt to extend influence into Canada, aligning with a worldview that opposes expert opinion.

Catsimatidis, a longtime friend of Trump, indicated that the former president is aware of the situation. He described the ostriches as "iconic, ancient animals that deserve to live." Catsimatidis is known for owning the Gristedes supermarket chain and hosting a weekly radio show.

On Monday, he held a news conference with Pasitney and Oz, discussing his financial contributions to the legal expenses of the farm owners. Their lawyer plans to appeal the cull order to the Supreme Court of Canada after the Federal Court of Appeal upheld it last week. Catsimatidis expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, "I think these animals deserve to live. And if they're killed, we're not going to end it there. There's going to be massive investigations on why the rush to kill these animals."

Oz, who is now the administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has offered to house the ostriches on his Florida ranch, arguing that they could provide valuable insights into avian flu. Kennedy has also reached out to Canadian officials advocating for the birds to be studied.