Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork confirmed it will remain closed until at least the end of November. The closure follows a serious outbreak of avian influenza that led to the euthanasia of 73 birds. The park first shut its gates in mid-October after several Greylag Geese tested positive for bird flu.
Park officials said 83 birds now remain in isolation while 12 confirmed avian flu cases have been recorded since the outbreak began. “This was a necessary population management measure for non-endangered bird species,” the park explained. Staff said the decision to humanely euthanise infected birds aimed to protect the remaining population and prevent further transmission.
Quarantined birds have received vaccines against the H5N1 strain and continue to undergo testing under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Park officials said the current tests show no active infections among the remaining bird population.
Financial Strain Prompts Urgent Appeal for Support
Fota Wildlife Park launched a public appeal for donations to help cover operational expenses during the closure. Director Aileen Tennant said running costs reach €120,000 each week, with potential monthly losses of over €320,000. “Our conservation work and animal care cannot stop just because our gates are closed,” she said.
Tennant noted that the park is also losing income from retail sales, gift vouchers, catering, and annual passes. She urged the public to help sustain the park through donations or by sponsoring an animal. “Visitors have always supported us by coming in their thousands. Now we ask for help in a different way,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Tennant reaffirmed the park’s commitment to maintaining animal welfare as its top priority. She thanked supporters for their continued loyalty during the crisis.
Commitment to Conservation Amid Ongoing Challenge
Tennant said the outbreak, traced to wild bird populations, demands nationwide cooperation among bird care facilities. “This is a very serious situation that requires a united effort,” she stated. “We remain fully committed to strong biosecurity and the protection of every bird in our care.”
Fota Wildlife Park, part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, occupies 100 acres on Fota Island near Cork City. It houses over 100 animal species—nearly 700 individual animals—including 21 bird species, 75 of which face extinction risks.
“The public remains the lifeblood of this park,” Tennant said. “We are deeply grateful for the continued kindness and generosity of our supporters. Unfortunately, the ongoing closure is causing a severe financial strain, but our mission to protect wildlife remains unchanged.”
