Bird flu forces closure of Central Zoo

KATHMANDU: The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel has been closed until further notice after bird flu was detected among animals housed within the facility.

In a public notice issued on Friday, the Central Zoo said the decision was taken following the detection of avian influenza infection in some animals kept inside the zoo premises.

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), which manages the zoo, has said that the zoo would remain closed to visitors from Friday until further notice as a precautionary measure to protect public health.

“Since bird flu infection has been observed in animals within the zoo premises, and considering the potential health risks to the general public and visitors, the zoo has been closed from June 19 until further notice,” the notice reads.

The Central Zoo, however, has not specified which animal species were affected by the infection or provided details on the extent of the outbreak.

Spread over six hectares, the Central Zoo is one of the country’s most popular recreational and educational attractions. It houses nearly 1,000 animals of over a hundred species. The zoo draws more than a million visitors annually.