Amid rising concerns over bird flu, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has extended the closure of all zoos and the Etawah Lion Safari for another week. The zoos will now remain closed to the public until at least May 27, according to a directive issued by Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri.
This move comes in the wake of confirmed avian influenza cases in Kanpur Zoological Park and the recent death of a tigress at Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur, which was attributed to bird flu.
“In view of the avian influenza outbreak, all zoos in the state, including the Lion Safari in Etawah, will remain closed for one more week. We are following all necessary protocols. The situation is under control, but we are taking these steps as a precaution,” said Anuradha Vemuri.
Last week, zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur were temporarily shut for seven days as a preventive measure. However, following the latest assessments and confirmation of bird flu cases, the closure has now been extended across all zoological facilities in the state.
At the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park in Lucknow, authorities confirmed that there is no active case of bird flu. Still, the zoo will remain closed to visitors till May 27 on the orders of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
“Though there is no confirmed case in Lucknow Zoo, we are taking no chances. Intensive monitoring of all wild animals is being conducted as per Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines,” said Aditi Sharma, Director of the zoo.
She added that health surveillance and sampling protocols are in place, and a special team is monitoring vulnerable species such as birds of prey, waterfowl, and big cats round-the-clock.
The situation is more serious in Gorakhpur. The Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park was the first in the state to report a fatal case – a tigress that succumbed to avian influenza. Following this, several food samples and biological samples from other animals were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly for testing.
“We have lost several animals in recent weeks. While bird flu was confirmed in the tigress’s case, we are not taking any risk with other species,” a senior official at Gorakhpur Zoo stated.
The Kanpur Zoological Park also reported confirmed cases of avian influenza, prompting the state wildlife department to intensify its containment and surveillance measures.
Officials say that disinfection drives, restrictions on feeding practices, isolation of suspected animals, and regulated entry of staff are being strictly implemented at all locations. “The next review will be conducted before May 27. Any decision regarding reopening will depend on veterinary reports and the ground situation,” said Anuradha Vemuri.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals, including big cats. Zoos are especially vulnerable to outbreaks due to the presence of both avian and non-avian species in proximity, making cross-species transmission a significant risk.
According to experts, once a case is confirmed in any zoo, an extensive biosecurity protocol must be followed, including closing public access, isolating affected species, and testing both animals and their food sources.
The UP Forest Department’s decision reflects a cautious and science-backed approach to preventing a larger outbreak, even as officials emphasize that the situation is currently under control.