Government grants €700k lifeline to Fota Wildlife Park amid bird flu crisis and closure fears

The €700k NPWS funding aims to protect endangered Irish species and stabilise Fota’s operations after a severe avian flu outbreak

Issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), it is hoped the funds can secure the future of Ireland’s endangered species including the natterjack toad, white-clawed crayfish, curlew, dunlin and corncrake. File picture: Dan Linehan

Embattled Fota Wildlife Park is to get Government funding worth €700k just months after an outbreak of avian flu left its future hanging in the balance.

Minister for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan said the funding will support the facility's biodiversity conservation programmes.

The news follows numerous appeals from Fota for donations to cover its weekly €120,000 costs. Staff at the facility had to close the park on October 14 after 11 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu. Some 73 birds at the park have since been euthanised.

It is unclear whether the facility will be able to open in time for the lucrative festive season with a spokesperson saying an update will be given on Monday.

Issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), it is hoped the funds can secure the future of Ireland’s endangered species including the natterjack toad, white-clawed crayfish, curlew, dunlin and corncrake.

The funding allocation is among measures being made as part of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP.) The initiative sets the national biodiversity agenda for the period between 2023 and 2030 which aims to improve how we value and protect nature.

Staff at the facility had to close the park on October 14 after 11 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu. Some 73 birds at the park have since been euthanised. File picture: Dan Linehan

Aileen Tennant, director of Fota Wildlife Park extended her gratitude to the NPWS.

“Fota Wildlife Park is incredibly grateful for this vital intervention from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the State during a very challenging time. 

"This financial support will secure critical investment in Ireland’s biodiversity infrastructure, and allows our dedicated teams to continue with our native species work and international conservation programmes.” 

She spoke about their plans for the future.

Conservation programmes

“With NPWS' support and partnership, we’re engaging in important native species projects, from releasing over 13,000 natterjack toadlets into the wild to supporting breeding waders and rescuing endangered white-clawed crayfish. 

"This funding also helps us continue our research and education work, reaching more than 17,500 students each year.” 

Christopher O’Sullivan said: “Fota Wildlife Park has been doing fantastic work with the NPWS for many years to give the best possible start to some of our most vulnerable species.

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"The early weeks and months are crucial for the long-term success of these species, as they are easy prey for hungry predators. 

"Young are captured in the wild, either as eggs, spawn or hatchlings, and brought to Fota Wildlife Park, where they are reared in captivity until they are resilient enough to be released back where they came from.

"This funding is going to ensure the future of these programmes, and contribute to the broader conservation efforts that the NPWS are leading on to protect these species into the future.”