Fota to remain closed as 73 birds euthanised

Fota Wildlife Park today confirmed that the park is expected to remain closed for a minimum of three weeks, with 73 birds having been euthanised so far, as the park’s director has appealed for support from the public.

The estimate is based on an ongoing assessment of the national avian flu situation, and after the three-week point, the situation will be assessed again, a spokesperson has said.

They explained: “As part of Fota Wildlife Park’s engagement and consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), a comprehensive strategy of targeted mitigation measures is being undertaken at the park.” 

This includes isolating the bird species in its care from the wild population, and the construction of temporary aviaries to house birds. This is being done to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds.

The spokesperson continued: “Unfortunately, 12 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed within Fota Wildlife Park’s collection since the outbreak began. 

As a result, the difficult decision was reached to humanely euthanise 73 birds from the park’s collection, as a limited population management measure for non-endangered avian species.

“Due to the seriousness of the avian flu outbreak, this was the only option that could be taken in order to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare for the park’s remaining birds, and in order to minimise the transmission of the virus within the park.” They explained that a further 83 birds have been separated from the wild population and are isolated or housed in temporary aviaries, which is considered to be a highly effective approach to protect the birds from exposure to wild birds carrying avian influenza.

These birds are all vaccinated but will continue to be tested, and the situation will be monitored in conjunction with the DAFM, the spokesperson said, adding that at this time, the park’s bird population is testing negative for avian influenza.

While the gates remain closed to the public, the team’s “overriding priority is the ongoing care and welfare of its animal population”, with staff remaining committed to conservation breeding programmes for rare and endangered species and animal care, Aileen Tennant, Director, 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.” 

She added: “Our visitors and supporters are the lifeblood of this Park, and we are incredibly grateful for the public support we have always received. Regrettably, the stark reality is that the ongoing closure of the Park is having a significant financial impact on us, particularly the loss of our vital visitor revenue.

“The work of conservation and expert animal care cannot be put on hold because our gates are closed. We incur operational expenses of an average €120,000 each week. 

Consequently, being closed for multiple weeks could generate monthly revenue losses of approximately €320,000.

“Additionally, further financial impacts are being felt from the loss of annual passes, retail sales, gift vouchers and onsite catering. All of these aspects of our organisation are impacted by the closure. Despite these challenges, we would like to assure the public that the well-being of the animals in our care is our absolute priority.” 

Dr Tenant continued: “At this difficult time, we are asking the public to continue their long-standing support for Fota Wildlife Park. You have always supported us by visiting in your thousands; now we ask you to continue your support in a different way while we are closed. We are encouraging the public to support the Park through donations or sponsorship of an animal.” 

To support Fota Wildlife Park, please visit here for information about how you can donate.