Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed

Olivia Kelleher

Fota Wildlife Park has announced it will remain closed for “a number of weeks” following an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza which originated from wild bird populations in the Cork Harbour area.

Eleven confirmed cases of bird flu have been identified in the Greylag Goose population at the park.

A comprehensive strategy of mitigation measures is in place, including isolating the bird species at Fota from the wild population. New temporary aviaries have also been installed to house birds through the winter months.

Fota has also made the “extremely difficult decision” to humanely euthanise some of its impacted Greylag Goose population, to "prevent wider transmission and protect the Park's rare and genetically important conservation collection”

Director of the Park, Aileen Tennant, said that this is an extremely upsetting time for everyone at Fota Wildlife Park.

“This action is being taken based on expert veterinary advice and our unwavering commitment to safeguarding birds in our care, especially our endangered breeding species.

"Our extensive, pre-existing vaccination programme and robust biosecurity protocols have proven successful, with the vast majority of birds in the Park remaining healthy and showing no symptoms of illness.

“We are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness.”

Ms Tennant said that while their gates remain closed, their care team is continuing to deliver the “highest standards of care” for all of the animals on-site.

Fota Wildlife Park is a conservation charity. It is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork city.

The Park has an annual attendance of 430,000 visitors.