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Patna Zoo Reopens After Bird Flu Scare
9 Mar
Summary
- Patna Zoo reopened Sunday after a 10-day closure due to bird flu fears.
- Over 10,000 visitors attended on Sunday, with free entry for women.
- Enhanced safety measures are in place to protect animals and visitors.
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna Zoo, welcomed visitors again on Sunday, March 9, 2026, following a ten-day closure. The precautionary shutdown began on February 27, 2026, after avian influenza was detected at a nearby poultry research center. A week of surveillance and testing confirmed no new cases in the vicinity, allowing for the reopening.
On its reopening day, the zoo saw a significant turnout of over 10,000 visitors, boosted by the coincidence of Sunday and International Women's Day, which offered free entry to women. This marked a substantial increase from the usual 5,000 to 6,000 daily visitors, and even more than the typical 8,000 to 10,000 on weekends.
Zoo authorities have implemented stringent safety protocols. Visitors must maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from animal enclosures. Green nets have been installed in front of cages, and disinfectants are regularly sprayed at entry points. The district animal husbandry office reported no new bird flu cases within a 1-kilometer radius, supporting the decision to reopen. While the immediate threat has lessened, continuous monitoring and sanitation remain in effect.
