Editorial photo #13972704 Human Interest

Nepal's Central Zoo Reopens After A Month Following Bird Flu Scare

Visitors exit Nepal's Central Zoo as it reopened after nearly a month following a bird flu outbreak, on July 17, 2026. The zoo has been shut down since June 19 following an outbreak of the bird flu virus among vultures, owls, swans and other rare birds, as well as a jungle cat and civets kept at the facility. Avian influenza A (H5N1) was confirmed in samples from the dead birds. The zoo has issued codes of conduct for the visitors who are now back for visits to ensure safety. Cages where the contagion was traced and culled have been marked with blank white boards and red ribbon has been drawn over the cage. Before the reopening, the authorities also had conducted multiple tests on samples collected from its premises, including dead crows. An official claimed that the crows were the primary carriers of the virus at the zoo which later spread out prompting closure. The zoo houses around 1,300 animals across more than 100 species, including the endangered snow leopard and chimpanzee. The zoo also serves as a rescue center for wild animals. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)