Fota Wildlife Park to Reopen on December 20th Following Avian Influenza Closure

Fota Wildlife Park has confirmed it will welcome visitors back on Saturday, December 20th, following a 10-week closure to manage an avian influenza outbreak. All birds at the Cork attraction have tested negative twice for the disease.

The park, located 10km east of Cork City, closed in October after the outbreak originated from wild bird populations. Working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the conservation charity implemented comprehensive biosecurity protocols and disease control measures.

All birds in the park's collection underwent two rounds of testing for avian influenza, with all results returning negative. Enhanced biosecurity measures and monitoring protocols will remain in place following the reopening.

Aileen Tennant, Director, Fota Wildlife Park, said:

"Fota Wildlife Park exists to protect rare and endangered species through conservation breeding programmes, research and education. I'm delighted to confirm that we will reopen on December 20th, visitors will once again be able to experience the wonder of seeing some amazing animals in our care such as our Asian lions, cheetahs, Indian rhino and ring-tailed lemurs during the festive season."

Tennant praised the Department of Agriculture's expert team for their support and paid tribute to the park's staff, whose priority throughout the closure remained the care and welfare of the animal population.

The director also acknowledged the vital intervention of operational state funding recently announced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, describing it as critical investment in Ireland's biodiversity infrastructure that allows the park to continue its native species work and international conservation programmes.

With Christmas approaching, the park is appealing to the public to support its work through donations, gift voucher purchases, animal sponsorships, or pre-booking online tickets. This financial support ensures the park can maintain world-class care standards and continue conservation efforts.

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100 species, almost 700 animals in total, with 75 of these species at risk of extinction. The not-for-profit organisation is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland and typically welcomes approximately 430,000 visitors annually.

To donate, purchase vouchers or tickets, visit www.fotawildlife.ie or call 021-4812678 to sponsor an animal species.