Bondla Zoo Reopens After Avian Flu Outbreak Resolved

In a significant development for wildlife enthusiasts, the Bondla Zoo located within the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa has reopened to the public. This comes after a closure lasting nearly three months, necessitated by an avian influenza outbreak that prompted stringent measures, according to the state forest department.

The zoo, situated in Sattari taluka and approximately 40 kilometers from Panaji, was initially closed on April 1. The decision came in response to the unfortunate deaths of three civets and two jungle cats attributed to the avian flu virus. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the reopening via the social media platform X, citing the recent clearance from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, confirming that the zoo's samples tested negative.

Minister Rane emphasized the adherence to all mandatory biosecurity protocols during the closure. Officials noted that in alignment with Central Zoo Authority guidelines, reopening was contingent upon receiving two consecutive negative test results for avian influenza, ensuring the safety of both the animals and visiting public.

(With inputs from agencies.)