Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed over suspected cases of bird flu

Olivia Kelleher

Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork has announced that it will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday arising out of suspected cases of bird flu.

In a statement, online management at Fota said that following a report to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding possible cases of avian flu, public access to the park will be temporarily suspended for two days.

“Further updates will be shared online.”

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100 animal species, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction in the wild.

The park actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes for species such as the Asian lion, Indian rhino, Northern cheetah, and red panda.

It collaborates with zoological organisations across Europe and the UK under the guidance of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The park first opened to the public in June 1983.

Following a report from Fota Wildlife to the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu) public access to the Wildlife Park will be suspended on Tue Oct 14th & Wed Oct 15th inclusive
Further updates will be shared in due course pic.twitter.com/6udLztBt2M

— Fota Wildlife Park (@fotawildlife) October 13, 2025