The zoo in Gorakhpur has been closed for a week as a precautionary measure after bird flu was confirmed in a dead tigress. An official gave this information. Similarly, ‘Etawah Lion Safari’ and Asiatic Lion Breeding Center have also been closed for the general public from May 14 to May 20 as a precautionary measure, the official said. This decision has been taken in view of the confirmed case of bird flu in Gorakhpur zoo. Gorakhpur Zoological Park director Vikas Yadav issued an order to close the zoo on Tuesday under the instructions of the chief conservator of forest. The zoo will now reopen for the public on May 21.
Bird flu confirmed in tigress Shakti’s death, danger increases in the zoo
Zoo official sources said that the tigress named Shakti died on May 7 and her viscera samples were sent to the National High Security Animal Disease Institute in Bhopal, where investigation revealed bird flu as the cause of death. A zoo official said that the authorities are on high alert since the confirmation of bird flu and they fear that the virus may spread to other animals as well. He said that so far the deaths of 4 animals have been reported in the zoo, which include a tiger, a tigress, a leopard and a female wolf.
Mysterious death of 4 animals, similar symptoms deepened the fear of bird flu
The official said that female leopard Mona, brought from Kanpur 4 years ago, died last Thursday and before that tigress Shakti died on Wednesday morning and female wolf Bhairavi also died on Saturday. He said that tiger Kesari also died under similar circumstances on March 30. The official said that similar symptoms were seen in both Shakti and Bhairavi, although Shakti’s report has confirmed bird flu and the result of Bhairavi’s sample test is awaited. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was recently transferred to Kanpur Zoo, raising concerns about the possible spread of the virus there.
Etawah Safari temporarily closed for public after bird flu in Gorakhpur
According to information received from Etawah, similarly, Etawah Lion Safari and Asiatic Lion Breeding Center have also been closed for public from May 14 to May 20 as a precautionary measure. Officials said that this decision was taken in view of the confirmed case of bird flu in Gorakhpur Zoo. Etawah Safari Director Dr. Anil Kumar Patel said that no case of bird flu has been confirmed in the safari so far but the ill health of Pataudi (a lion from Etawah Safari which was recently sent to Kanpur Zoo for treatment) has raised concerns. As a result, security measures have been increased. He said that the staff of the safari has been instructed to immediately report any illness in themselves or their family members.
High alert in safari, staff instructed to wear PPE and for strict monitoring
The official said that entry into the enclosures should be strictly controlled and any symptoms of lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal discharge from the nose or eyes in the animals should be immediately reported to the veterinary teams. Patel informed that all the staff have been instructed to wear gloves, face masks, PPE kits and use ‘hand sanitizer’. He informed that teams have been deployed to monitor the hygiene and behavior of the animals inside the safari, and orders have been given to carry out daily cleaning drives. The official said that the staff has also been told to immediately inform the senior officials if any animal or bird is found dead in the safari.
CM Yogi held a high-level meeting, instructed for maximum vigilance in all zoos
It is being told that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting in Lucknow on Tuesday and directed the officials to take the potential threat of bird flu seriously and implement maximum vigilance in all the zoos of the state. According to an official statement, Adityanath said that the safety of animals and birds protected in zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetland areas and cow shelters should be given top priority.