Patna: The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna Zoo, reopened to visitors on Sunday after remaining closed for 10 days following a bird flu scare.
The zoo was shut on Feb 27 as a precaution after avian influenza was detected at a nearby poultry research centre. Authorities decided to reopen it after a week of surveillance and tests found no fresh cases of avian influenza in the surrounding area.Zoo director Hemant Patil said, “The gates opened for the general public from 6am on Sunday and the park will remain open till 5pm. However, reopening does not mean vigilance has been relaxed. Visitors will be allowed to view animals and birds only from a distance of 10 feet.”According to the zoo administration, footfall was high on the first day of reopening, coinciding with Sunday and International Women’s Day.Range officer Arvind Verma said more than 10,000 people visited the zoo on Sunday. “Entry was made free for women visitors on the occasion of International Women’s Day. On normal days, around 5,000 to 6,000 people visit the zoo, while the number usually rises to 8,000-10,000 on weekends,” he said.He added that special measures are being taken for the safety of animals as well as visitors. Safe distances from animal enclosures are being maintained, green nets have been installed in front of cages, and disinfectants are being sprayed at both entry gates in the morning and evening.According to the district animal husbandry office, no new case of bird flu was detected within a 1-km radius of the zoo during the past week. Based on this report, authorities allowed the zoo to reopen.Officials said although the immediate threat appears to have subsided, strict sanitation and monitoring measures will continue as a precaution.
