Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed until end of November due to bird flu outbreak 

Appeal for public support as outbreak costing €320,000 a month in lost revenue

Fota Wildlife Park bosses have appealed for public support as it must remain closed until the end of November following a bird flu outbreak that is costing €320,000 a month in lost revenue. 

Fota Wildlife Park bosses have appealed for public support as it must remain closed until the end of November following a bird flu outbreak that is costing €320,000 a month in lost revenue. 

On Tuesday, it was announced the park will be closed for a further three weeks following the outbreak, with 12 cases of avian influenza confirmed within Fota Wildlife Park’s bird population since the outbreak began. 

The park has been closed since October 14, and missed out on 14,000 visitors over the mid-term break.

"Our visitors and supporters are the lifeblood of this Park, and we are incredibly grateful for the public support we have always received. Regrettably, the stark reality is that the ongoing closure of the Park is having a significant financial impact on us, particularly the loss of our vital visitor revenue," said Fota Wildlife Park director Aileen Tennant.

"The work of conservation and expert animal care cannot be put on hold because our gates are closed. We incur operational expenses of an average €120,000 each week. Consequently, being closed for multiple weeks could generate monthly revenue losses of approximately €320,000. Additionally, further financial impacts are being felt from the loss of annual passes, retail sales, gift vouchers, and onsite catering. All of these aspects of our organisation are impacted by the closure. Despite these challenges, we would like to assure the public that the well-being of the animals in our care is our absolute priority.

"At this difficult time, we are asking the public to continue their long-standing support for Fota Wildlife Park. You have always supported us by visiting in your thousands; now we ask you to continue your support in a different way while we are closed. We are encouraging the public to support the Park through donations or sponsorship of an animal."

The outbreak of bird flu has centred on the park's greylag goose population. As a result, the decision was reached to euthanise 73 birds at the park. Additionally, 83 birds have been separated from the wild population and are isolated and/or housed in temporary aviaries. These birds are all vaccinated but are continuing to be tested, with the situation being monitored in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. 

“This very serious situation, which originated from wild bird populations, requires a concerted national effort from all facilities caring for birds. Fota Wildlife Park is fully committed to playing our part in proactively maintaining our robust biosecurity measures and protecting the birds in our care," said Ms Tennant.