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New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The National Zoological Park (NZP) will reopen for visitors on Saturday after a two-month leave due to an influenza outbreak in one of the enclosures. An official gave this information on Friday.
Delhi Zoo official said that normal safety and preventive measures will be followed after reopening it for visitors.
Following the report of a positive case of avian influenza virus in the water bird aviary on August 28, the NZP was closed to visitors till August 30, 2025, the official said in a statement.
Subsequently, all prescribed bio-security and surveillance guidelines issued by the competent authorities were followed.
Guidelines under Chapter 6 of ‘Actions Taken for Preparedness, Control and Prevention of Avian Influenza (Revised 2021)’ issued by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying were strictly followed during the closure period.
The sampling was repeated four times after every 15 days and all the samples of the previous positive case were found negative as per the report of National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal.
Delhi Zoo is home to approximately 1,350 animals from around 130 species of mammals, birds and reptiles from India and around the world.
Some of its major attractions include the Royal Bengal Tiger (including the white tiger), Asiatic lion, Indian rhinoceros, elephant, jaguar and a variety of deer species like the brow-antlered deer (Sangai).
The zoo’s layout follows the Carl Hagenbeck method, featuring large, open, moated enclosures with natural barriers and dense vegetation, allowing animals to live in an environment that resembles their natural habitats, and providing visitors with unobstructed views.
The park is designed with walking paths that are accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Battery operated vehicles (trolleys) are available for rent, which is helpful for the elderly or those who do not like walking across the extensive grounds. Wheelchairs are also provided free of charge for physically disabled visitors.
Apart from the animal exhibits, the park covers 176 acres and has a wide range of over 200 varieties of trees and plants, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city. The zoo serves as an educational resource, offering guided tours, workshops, and a library to raise public awareness of wildlife protection and conservation efforts.
–IANS
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