Delhi Zoo Set for Reopening Post-Bird Flu Outbreak

The National Zoological Park in Delhi, closed due to a bird flu outbreak, might reopen in November pending test results, officials stated on Friday. Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar highlighted that a fourth round of tests is scheduled for October 30, with results expected approximately a week later. Should these results return negative, the zoo's reopening will be considered.

The facility was originally shut in August following the deaths of multiple bird species, which tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The last bird flu positive case was detected on September 1. Since then, subsequent sampling has shown negative results, boosting hopes for reopening.

A formal proposal for reopening has been sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. According to guidelines, they will make a decision following the receipt of the required negative test reports. This marks the third closure of the Delhi zoo due to avian influenza since 2016.