The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the immediate closure of all major zoos, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpar and Etawah Lion Safari for one week (till May 20, 2025), following the confirmation of bird flu in a tigress at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoo. The tigress, named Shakti, tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, after her sudden death.

The tigress Shakti died under unexplained circumstances, with lab tests from NIHSAD, Bhopal, confirming bird flu as the cause. Shortly after, a female wolf, Bhairavi, also died at the same zoo, with test results pending. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was moved to Kanpur Zoo, raising concerns of possible virus spread. Although no bird flu cases have been reported in Lucknow or Kanpur, the closures are part of a wider containment strategy.

Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena said surveillance has been intensified across zoos and poultry farms. Staff have been instructed to wear protective gear and follow strict biosecurity protocols. Regular disinfection, health monitoring, and testing of food and water sources are underway.

UP Chief Minister has called for coordinated action and urged the public not to spread rumours, but to report any sick or dead birds. The week-long closure, enforced since May 14, is a preventive step. Lucknow Zoo Director Aditi Singh confirmed the zoo’s shutdown as a precaution, with reopening to be considered after further review.