Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: After being closed to the public for nearly three months due to concerns over avian influenza, Goa’s only zoological park, Bondla Zoo, has officially reopened on Wednesday.
The closure, which began on April 1, followed the deaths of five animals — three civet cats and two jungle cats.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the reopening through a social media post, confirming that the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, had returned two consecutive negative reports for H5N1 avian influenza. He stated that the zoo has resumed operations in accordance with Central Zoo Authority guidelines.
“Bondla Zoo is once again open to visitors after a precautionary closure. All safety protocols were followed, and we welcome the public to this important center of conservation and education,” Rane posted on X (formerly Twitter).
During the closure, the remaining animals were kept in quarantine for 15 days. Though avian influenza was confirmed in the two jungle cats, the exact cause of death of the three civet cats remains undetermined.
The Forest Department has now formally issued an order allowing the zoo to resume visitor operations, citing the negative test results and compliance with biosecurity norms.
Minister Rane acknowledged the efforts of officials in ensuring animal and public safety but had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in communication regarding the initial deaths. He had demanded an explanation from the department at the time.
The extended closure during peak tourist season led to substantial revenue losses for the Forest Department, as summer vacation typically brings high footfall to the zoo.
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