Lucknow (UP), May 21, 2025 (ANI): UP Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena on May 21 informed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed an immediate action to shut the zoo due to bird flu. All the animals were being checked and any showing symptoms were isolated. “Bird flu is a highly contagious disease, commonly found in birds like chickens and ducks, but it can also infect humans. The virus was recently detected at the Gorakhpur Zoo. As soon as it was confirmed, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed immediate action — the zoo was shut down, all animals were checked, and any showing symptoms were isolated... Staff were instructed to wear PPE kits, masks, and gloves to ensure maximum protection. Strict hygiene measures were implemented, including checking the animals’ food and water sources. Thankfully, no new cases have been reported so far. Samples from a few animals have been sent for testing, and the zoo will remain closed for a week as a precaution, especially to protect children who often visit. We await test results from Bhopal and IVRI Bareilly, and will proceed based on the Chief Minister's guidance,” said Arun Kumar Saxena.
