Bird flu scare: Death of a tigress lead to closure of zoos in Uttar Pradesh

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The tigress, Shakti, was over two years old and was brought to Gorakhpur after her rescue from Lakhimpur Kheri’s Mailani in May, 2024.
Updated on: 14 May 2025


LUCKNOW: The death of a tigress in Gorakhpur zoo led to the closure of Lucknow, Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos along with Etawah Lion Safari for a week on Tuesday evening following the bird flu scare in the state zoos.

The decision to shut the zoos came after the death of a tigress Shakti at the Gorakhpur zoo as bird flu was confirmed as the cause of the death of feline.

Meanwhile, all the Tiger reserves, including Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri, Amangarh Tiger Reserve in Bijnore, Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot and Suhelva Tiger Reserve in Balrampur, in the state have been directed to be on high alert.
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At the same time, Gorakhpur health officials had collected blood samples from over 100 staff members of the Zoo, especially, those who were in touch with the Tigress Shakti.

“Their reports are expected by Wednesday,” said Dr Yogesh Singh, the veterinary doctor at the Gorakhpur Zoo. He added that the entire zoo premises was sanitized.

Dr Singh maintained that all animals, approximately 300 in number, present in Gorakhpur Zoo, were healthy and showed no signs of infection during their examination conducted on Tuesday.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/14/bird-flu-scare-death-of-a-tigress-lead-to-closure-of-zoos-in-uttar-pradesh

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UP Temporarily Closes All Zoos And Safari Parks After Tigress Dies Of Bird Flu In Lucknow Zoo

Updated: May 14, 2025
In a significant preventive move, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the temporary closure of all zoos and safari parks across the state from May 14, 2025 to May 20, 2025. This urgent decision was taken after a tigress named Shakti died from avian influenza (H5N1) at the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow.
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Further intensifying the situation, a female wolf named Bhairavi also died at the same zoo shortly after Shakti’s passing. The cause of the wolf’s death is still under investigation, with test results pending. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was recently transferred to the Kanpur Zoo, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus there.

Lucknow, UP | This is to notify the general public that the sample of the tigress from Gorakhpur Zoo – Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Garden, that had passed away, was sent to ICAR- NIHSAD (National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases), Bhopal. As per the NIHSAD's…

https://news24online.com/india/up-te...ow-zoo/561711/

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First published on: May 14, 2025
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Strict Safety Measures

In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to enforce strong precautionary measures. All zoos and safari parks are undergoing disinfection procedures, and the health of all animals is being closely monitored. Staff members working in these facilities are being equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained to follow strict biosecurity protocols. The state is also monitoring poultry farms and has restricted the movement of birds and poultry products in affected zones to prevent cross-species transmission of the virus.

The temporary shutdown of all wildlife parks and zoos is a preventive measure to contain the spread and safeguard both animal and human health. Authorities have advised the public to stay calm, follow updates from health departments, and avoid visiting any closed facilities until further notice.

This development, triggered by an outbreak in one of the state’s most prominent zoos, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of swift action in controlling zoonotic diseases.

https://news24online.com/india/up-te...ow-zoo/561711/