Zoo aviary quarantined

The aviary of the city zoo has been quarantined following confirmation of an outbreak of avian influenza virus in two districts in the State.

Visitors of the city will be unable to see nearly all species of water birds such as the painted storks. Vultures, brahminy kites, red jungle fowls, and the white ibises are the other creatures housed in this part of the zoo. In total, the zoo is home to nearly 50 different avian species.

There is a separate section accommodating ‘exotic birds,’ which will still be open for public viewing. Director B. Joseph said that this was owing to the position of this line of enclosures.

“It is along the route near the exit of the zoo and there is no alternative pathway to which visitors can be diverted,” he said. The aviary housing the peacocks and ostriches are along the same route and hence not cordoned off to visitors.