Bird Flu Scare Ends: Gorakhpur, Kanpur Zoos Reopen
Gorakhpur and Kanpur zoos threw open their gates to the public on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after a 56-day closure prompted by a devastating bird flu outbreak. The highly contagious virus claimed the lives of several animals, including big cats and a significant number of birds.
The reopening followed a series of rigorous tests which yielded negative results for avian influenza. Stringent bio-security measures have also been implemented across both facilities to prevent any future outbreaks.
While the majority of animals are now deemed healthy, one tigress in Gorakhpur zoo remains under close veterinary observation as a precautionary measure.
This incident underscores the critical need for robust surveillance and swift action to contain zoonotic diseases. The timely reopening, however, offers a glimmer of hope for wildlife conservation and the economic well-being of communities dependent on these popular tourist attractions.
