In a significant preventive move, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the temporary closure of all zoos and safari parks across the state from May 14, 2025 to May 20, 2025. This urgent decision was taken after a tigress named Shakti died from avian influenza (H5N1) at the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow.
The tigress’s unexpected death raised concerns among officials, prompting immediate testing. Her samples were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, which confirmed that she had contracted the highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian influenza — commonly referred to as bird flu.
Further intensifying the situation, a female wolf named Bhairavi also died at the same zoo shortly after Shakti’s passing. The cause of the wolf’s death is still under investigation, with test results pending. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was recently transferred to the Kanpur Zoo, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus there.
Lucknow, UP | This is to notify the general public that the sample of the tigress from Gorakhpur Zoo – Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Garden, that had passed away, was sent to ICAR- NIHSAD (National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases), Bhopal. As per the NIHSAD's… pic.twitter.com/wnSUbe416G
---Advertisement---— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 14, 2025
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Strict Safety Measures
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to enforce strong precautionary measures. All zoos and safari parks are undergoing disinfection procedures, and the health of all animals is being closely monitored. Staff members working in these facilities are being equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained to follow strict biosecurity protocols. The state is also monitoring poultry farms and has restricted the movement of birds and poultry products in affected zones to prevent cross-species transmission of the virus.
The temporary shutdown of all wildlife parks and zoos is a preventive measure to contain the spread and safeguard both animal and human health. Authorities have advised the public to stay calm, follow updates from health departments, and avoid visiting any closed facilities until further notice.
This development, triggered by an outbreak in one of the state’s most prominent zoos, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of swift action in controlling zoonotic diseases.
