Fota Wildlife Park Welcomes Visitors Back After Avian Flu Closure

Fota Wildlife Park has officially reopened following a 10-week closure due to an avian influenza outbreak, with the gates welcoming visitors again from Saturday 20th December.

The Park was formally reopened by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, at a festive ceremony attended by invited guests and their families on Saturday. The Minister recently announced additional funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to support the continuation of vital biodiversity conservation programmes at the Park.

Aileen Tennant, Director of Fota Wildlife Park, said:

"After what has been a very challenging period, we are absolutely delighted to welcome visitors back through the gates of Fota Wildlife Park. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it means a great deal to our dedicated team, who have worked tirelessly to care for our animals and to prepare the Park for its reopening.

We are deeply grateful to the public and wider community for their continued support, including the generous donations, purchases, and remarkable goodwill shown over recent weeks by visitors, annual pass holders, and stakeholders."

Santa Claus will make a special appearance at the Park tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd December, from 11am to 1.30pm before returning to the North Pole for his busy Christmas schedule.

The Park will be closed on December 24th, 25th, and 26th for the Christmas holidays, reopening on Saturday 27th December at 9.30am.

Online gift vouchers remain available at www.fotawildlife.ie, offering a last-minute Christmas present option while supporting conservation and animal care programmes.