Fota Wildlife Park will reopen to visitors on Saturday, December 20th after an Avian Flu shutdown.
The park announced the return date this morning following a 10-week closure triggered by an outbreak in wild bird populations.
The reopening follows a recent major funding award that boosted the park’s conservation efforts.
Staff worked with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to enforce strict biosecurity rules.
Teams carried out two full rounds of testing on every bird in the park, and all results came back negative.
The park will maintain enhanced monitoring and biosecurity procedures as operations resume.
Leadership Highlights Mission and Ongoing Work
Director Aileen Tennant emphasised that the park protects rare species through breeding, research, and education.
She confirmed that visitors will soon see Asian lions, cheetahs, Indian rhinos, and ring-tailed lemurs again.
She thanked DAFM experts for guiding disease-control efforts during the outbreak.
She praised staff for prioritising animal welfare throughout the closure period.
Teams continued daily care and conservation duties without any interruption.
Tennant also acknowledged crucial support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s recent funding initiative.
Public Support Remains Essential for Future Conservation
The funding will strengthen Ireland’s biodiversity infrastructure and sustain native species projects.
It will also support the park’s international conservation programmes carried out by dedicated teams.
Tennant encouraged the public to maintain their strong backing during the festive season.
She urged supporters to donate, buy gift vouchers, sponsor animals, or pre-book tickets online.
She said public commitment ensures the park can uphold world-class care standards for years ahead.
She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from annual pass holders, partners, and the wider community.
