All 330 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, have been culled, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The culling took place in a pen constructed in 2025, where the birds had lived for years. Drone footage captured the aftermath of the culling, showing the bodies of the large birds scattered across the pen. The images have drawn comparisons to historical tragedies, evoking strong emotional reactions from observers. Karen Espersen, co-owner of Universal Ostrich Farms, expressed her devastation, stating, "Oh, my God. They covered a lot of the bodies." Espersen emphasized that these ostriches were more than just livestock to her family. "They are heartbeats, souls who have personalities and have names," she said. The farm had transitioned from traditional farming to research, focusing on the birds' antibodies to combat diseases. The CFIA confirmed that the culling was conducted under veterinary supervision. They stated that after consulting with experts on managing ostrich disease outbreaks, they determined that using professional marksmen in a controlled setting was the most humane option. The decision to cull the birds has raised questions about the necessity of such drastic measures. Espersen and her business partner, Dave Bilinski, argued that the birds had shown no definitive signs of avian flu and criticized the lack of testing before the culling. Witnesses reported hearing hundreds of gunshots over several hours, leading to widespread concern and outrage. Espersen described the event as "horrifying" and "evil," while Bilinski referred to it as "the crime of the century." As the farm owners mourn their loss, they are left to identify the ostriches they knew by name. Espersen noted that the birds would have experienced a painful death, stating, "They know when another ostrich is hurt or has died and sometimes for a procession." The CFIA has not yet confirmed the total number of birds culled or whether postmortems will be conducted to determine if any of the ostriches carried the avian flu virus. The lack of clarity has left the owners and the public seeking answers. Espersen expressed her hope for justice, stating, "Today we mourn," but adding, "there will be justice." The culling has sparked a broader conversation about animal welfare and the methods used in disease control. For now, the farm is left with a field of deceased ostriches, a stark reminder of the events that transpired at what some are now calling "Slaughterhouse 330."