Bird Flu Outbreak Closes Zoo for 27 Days, Causing Rs 3 Crore Loss

The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, was closed for 27 days due to a bird flu outbreak, resulting in a loss of Rs 3 crore.

The zoo was shut down on Asar 5, 2083, after the bird flu infection was confirmed, and reopened on Srawan 1, 2083, after the infection was brought under control.

According to zoo officials, the zoo’s daily income was affected by the closure, with an average of 1,700 to 1,800 visitors per day, and 5,000 to 7,000 visitors on Saturdays and 3,500 to 5,000 visitors on Sundays.

The zoo charges an entrance fee of Rs 100 for children and senior citizens, Rs 150 for students, and Rs 250 for other visitors.

In the previous fiscal year, the zoo had earned around Rs 18 crore, and had set a target of earning Rs 21 crore in the current fiscal year, but the bird flu outbreak has made it challenging to achieve this target.

The zoo’s ticket counter is now open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and all visitors must leave the zoo by 5:00 pm.