Fota Wildlife Park sees 50% surge in visitors after reopening from bird flu closure

Wildlife park records record winter crowds after reopening, as families return and conservation and education programmes resume

'It’s a very uplifting time — since reopening on December 20, we’ve seen about 50% more visitation than the same time period last year, which is very significant,' Fota Wildlife Park director Aileen Tennant said. Picture: Larry Cummins

Fota Wildlife Park has seen a 50% increase in visitor numbers compared to this time last year since its reopening after a bird flu-enforced 10-week closure.

The park reopened on December 20 after what was described as “a very challenging time” during which staff had to humanely euthanize more than 73 birds.