Uttar Pradesh: All zoos, safari parks temporarily shut after tigress 'Shakti' dies of Avian Influenza

ANI May 14, 2025 396 views

A tigress named Shakti died from avian influenza at Gorakhpur zoo, prompting Uttar Pradesh to shut all zoos and safari parks for a week. Officials are conducting health checks on staff and animals while sanitation drives are underway. CM Yogi Adityanath held an emergency meeting to assess the state's response to the H5N1 virus threat. The highly contagious bird flu primarily affects poultry but poses risks to wildlife in captivity.

"After a tigress at Gorakhpur zoo died of Avian influenza, all zoos and safaris in the state have been temporarily closed." - Anil Kumar Patel, Etawah Lion Safari Director
Uttar Pradesh: All zoos, safari parks temporarily shut after tigress 'Shakti' dies of Avian Influenza
Etawah, May 14: All zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure following the death of a tigress, Shakti, from Avian influenza at Gorakhpur's Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park

Key Points

1

UP zoos shut for a week after bird flu death

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Health checks underway for staff and animals

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CM Yogi Adityanath reviews state preparedness

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H5N1 virus poses high risk to poultry and wildlife

On Wednesday, Etawah Lion Safari Park Director Anil Kumar Patel informed ANI, stating, "After a tigress at Gorakhpur zoo died of Avian influenza, all zoos and safaris in the state have been temporarily closed for a week till 20th May."

Patel added that the park has taken necessary precautions and is conducting health checks on staff members. "Health monitoring of zookeepers is being done. We are taking all precautions. There are no symptoms of bird flu in any animal in our park," Patel said.

While speaking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Saxena said, "The moment the Bird Flu case was confirmed, zoos in the state were closed for a week as a measure of precaution. Sanitation work is being done in all zoos to prevent the spread of the virus. After a week, checks will be conducted again, and further decisions will be taken."

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a week-long shutdown of the Etawah Lion Safari and zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review the state's preparedness and response plan following alerts over the H5 Avian Influenza virus.

H5 Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

It is caused by influenza A viruses, and the "H5" refers to one of the subtypes of these viruses, specifically, H5N1, which is among the most well-known and dangerous forms.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Very sad to hear about Shakti the tigress. šŸ˜” UP government is taking the right steps by closing zoos temporarily. We must protect our wildlife at all costs. Hope they conduct thorough sanitization before reopening.
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Priya M.
Why wasn't there better monitoring of animals if bird flu was a known risk? Our zoos need more veterinary staff and better infrastructure. This is a wake-up call for wildlife protection in India.
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Amit S.
Good decision by Yogi ji's government. Prevention is better than cure. But one week may not be enough - they should extend if needed. Public safety and animal welfare both important.
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Sunita R.
My children were so excited for their school trip to Lucknow zoo next week. Disappointed but safety comes first. Hope the authorities use this time to improve facilities too.
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Vikram J.
Bird flu affecting tigers? This is alarming! Shows how interconnected our ecosystem is. Time to rethink how we manage zoos - maybe more open natural habitats would be safer than confined spaces.
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Neha T.
The staff health checks are important but what about visitors? Many people touch railings, benches etc. in zoos. They should have hand sanitizer stations everywhere when zoos reopen. Stay safe everyone! šŸ™

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Uttar Pradesh zoos bird flu outbreak tigress Shakti H5N1 virus Yogi Adityanath Gorakhpur zoo