Fota Wildlife Park to Remain Closed Until End of November Due to Avian Flu Outbreak
Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed until end of November as avian flu outbreak sees 73 birds euthanised. Park appeals for public donations to offset €320k monthly losses.
Fota Wildlife Park has confirmed it will remain closed for at least three more weeks as it continues to manage a serious avian influenza outbreak that has resulted in the euthanisation of 73 birds and isolation of 83 others.
The Cork attraction, which announced the closure earlier this month, revealed today that 12 cases of avian flu have been confirmed within its collection since the outbreak began. The park is now working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to implement comprehensive biosecurity measures, including the construction of temporary aviaries to house birds and isolate them from wild populations.
The difficult decision to humanely euthanise 73 birds from non-endangered species was taken to maintain animal welfare standards and minimise virus transmission within the park. The remaining 83 birds have been separated from wild populations and housed in isolation or temporary aviaries. All are vaccinated and continue to undergo testing, with the current bird population now testing negative for avian influenza.
The park, located on Fota Island just 10 kilometres east of Cork City, remains open behind the scenes, with expert staff continuing conservation breeding programmes and daily animal care for its nearly 700 animals across more than 100 species.
Aileen Tennant, Director of Fota Wildlife Park, said:
"This very serious situation, which originated from wild bird populations, requires a concerted national effort from all facilities caring for birds. Fota Wildlife Park is fully committed to playing our part in proactively maintaining our robust biosecurity measures and protecting the birds in our care."
The closure is having a significant financial impact on the conservation charity, which incurs operational expenses averaging €120,000 each week. The extended closure could generate monthly revenue losses of approximately €320,000, with additional impacts from lost annual pass sales, retail, gift vouchers and catering revenue.
Despite these challenges, Tennant emphasised that animal welfare remains the absolute priority. She appealed to the public for continued support through donations or animal sponsorship while the park's gates remain closed to visitors.
Fota Wildlife Park is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland and typically welcomes around 430,000 visitors annually. The park is home to 21 species of captive birds, approximately 168 birds in total, with 75 of its animal species currently at risk of extinction.
The park will assess the situation again at the end of the three-week period before making any decision about reopening.
Members of the public who wish to support Fota Wildlife Park can visit fotawildlife.ie/products/donate-to-fota-wildlife for information about donations and animal sponsorship.
