Bird flu scare in Uttar Pradesh: All zoos shut for a week

A day after it was confirmed that a tigress at Gorakhpur zoo had died of bird flu ( H5N1 ), the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) ordered on Wednesday the closure of all zoos in UP till May 20. The alert has been sounded for tiger reserves as well. Following CM Yogi Adityanath ’s directive to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals in state zoos and safari parks, the CZA has formed a five-member team to probe the death of the tigress.

“The team… will submit a detailed report within 15 days following which further decisions on animal care will be taken,” said Anuradha Vemuri, principal chief forest conservator (wildlife).

“A special monitoring system and stringent health safety protocols have been enforced in all zoos in the state, including those in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, and the Etawah Safari. All divisional forest officers have been directed to conduct regular health checkups of animals and immediately report any signs of irregularities,” Vemuri said.