Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed until end of November

Fota Wildlife Park will remain closed until at least the end of November due to an "ongoing assessment of the national avian flu situation".

Last month, cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - a particularly virulent bird flu strain - were detected in samples taken from geese that were part of a flock at the park.

According to the park, the ongoing closure is costing it around €120,000 per week.

In a statement this afternoon, Fota said that as part of its engagement and consultation with the Department of Agriculture on the situation 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," it said.

"This is being done to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds."

The park said 12 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed within Fota Wildlife Park's collection since the outbreak began.

It said "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," it added.

In addition, 83 birds have been separated from the wild population and are isolated and or housed in temporary aviaries.

The park said these birds are all vaccinated but will continue to be tested for bird flu, and the situation will be monitored in conjunction with the Department.

It added that Fota's bird population is currently testing negative for bird flu.

Although the park remains closed to the public, it said its team "remains committed to its conservation breeding programmes for rare and endangered species, with animal care continuing diligently behind closed doors".

Fota Wildlife Park Director Aileen Tennant said the facility is "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," it said.

"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."

"At this difficult time, we are asking the public to continue their long-standing support for Fota Wildlife Park," Ms Tennant added.

"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."