After a 15-day precautionary closure due to bird flu concerns, Lucknow’s Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udayaan (Lucknow Zoo) and Etawah Lion Safari will re-open for visitors from Thursday, May 29. The decision came after a review meeting confirmed no cases of avian influenza were detected in the zoo’s animals during intensive monitoring.
Strict safety protocols to be followed
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vermuri stated that while Gorakhpur and Kanpur zoos remain closed due to confirmed bird flu cases, Lucknow Zoo and Etawah Safari will resume operations with strict safety protocols.
Lucknow Zoo Director Aditi Sharma expressed relief, noting that the closure had led to financial losses and disappointed tourists, many of whom had travelled from nearby districts. Etawah Safari’s Deputy Director, Dr. Vinay Kumar Singh, stated that all animals have tested negative for bird flu and the situation is under control. Visitors will now have to undergo thermal screening, tyre and foot washes, and adhere to strict no-food and health-check rules.
With reopening, visitors are eager to return, though precautions remain in place to ensure animal and public safety. Meanwhile, Kanpur Zoo will stay shut until June 2, pending test results.
All UP zoos shut till May 20 as a preventative step, after bird flu scare
