Fota Wildlife Park Reopens in Cork Following 10-Week Closure Due to Bird Flu
Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork — Fota Wildlife Park has formally reopened its gates to the public today (20 December 2025) after being closed for 10 weeks due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu. The closure, which began in mid-October, was enforced to protect both animal welfare and public safety after several birds at the park tested positive for the virus.
The Irish Times
The outbreak, traced back to wild bird populations, prompted swift action from park management in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with enhanced biosecurity measures introduced and comprehensive disease control protocols implemented. During the closure period, all birds in the park’s care were tested twice for avian influenza, with subsequent results returning negative — a key factor in the decision to reopen.
The Avondhu Newspaper
The extended closure presented significant challenges, both operationally and financially. The park — a vital conservation and tourism asset that usually attracts more than 430,000 visitors annually — incurs operational costs in excess of €100,000 per week, funding essential activities from animal care to habitat maintenance.
The Irish Times
In response to the crisis, park staff worked diligently behind the scenes to maintain animal welfare standards, despite the absence of public visitors. The difficult decision to humanely cull 73 birds — predominantly greylag geese — was described by park officials as necessary to prevent wider transmission, with each loss deeply felt by the team.
The Irish Times
Today’s reopening was marked by the presence of Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, alongside Fota Wildlife Park leadership including Park Director Aileen Tennant and Richard Healy, Chair of the Board of Governors. Officials described the day as “fantastic” and celebrated the resilience of staff and support from the wider community.
Irish Examiner
Despite resuming normal operations, the park will maintain enhanced biosecurity protocols and ongoing monitoring to guard against future outbreaks. Management has emphasised the continued importance of disease surveillance and preventive measures in safeguarding the park’s diverse species, which include animals from across the globe.
The Irish Times
The reopening also coincides with a festive season surge in visitors, providing a crucial boost to revenue ahead of winter — a time traditionally slower for tourism but vital for sustaining year-round conservation efforts.
fotawildlife.ie
Fota Wildlife Park remains one of Ireland’s premier conservation and educational attractions, home to hundreds of animals and participating in numerous breeding and research programmes aimed at protecting endangered species both locally and internationally.
The Avondhu Newspaper
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 20 December 2025
