Zoo Suffers Loss Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

Lalitpur. The closure of the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur for 27 days due to bird flu infection has resulted in an economic loss of approximately 30 million rupees.

The National Trust for Nature Conservation had closed the zoo to the public from Asar 5 after bird flu infection was detected. The zoo has been reopened for operation from Shrawan 1 after the infection came under control.

According to Ganesh Koirala, information officer of the zoo, regular cleaning, treatment of infected animals, and necessary precautions were taken after the infection was detected. Subsequently, a joint meeting of senior officials from the Department of Animal Services, Central Veterinary Disease Investigation Laboratory, and the Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Control decided to reopen the zoo.

According to Koirala, on a normal day, 1,700 to 1,800 people used to visit the zoo daily. On Saturdays, 5,000 to 7,000 people and on Sundays, 3,500 to 5,000 people used to visit the zoo. However, on Shrawan 1, the first day of reopening, only 800 people visited the zoo.

The zoo charges an entrance fee of 100 rupees for children and senior citizens, 150 rupees for students, and 250 rupees for other visitors.

In the last fiscal year, the zoo earned approximately 180 million rupees. Although the target was to earn 210 million rupees in the fiscal year 2082/83, the administration has stated that the long closure due to bird flu has added challenges to achieving that goal.

Currently, the zoo's ticket counter is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A rule has been made that all visitors must leave by 5:00 PM. Before the infection spread, the ticket counter used to remain open until 6:00 PM.