Bird Flu closure costs Central Zoo Rs 30 million in lost revenue
Central Zoo in Jawalakhel suffered an estimated Rs 30 million loss after being closed to visitors for 27 days following the detection of bird flu infections.
The Central Zoo in Lalitpur was shut from June 19 (Asar 5) by the National Trust for Nature Conservation and reopened on July 17 (Shrawan 1) after authorities declared the infection under control.
Zoo information officer Ganesh Koirala said extensive cleaning, treatment of affected animals and precautionary measures were undertaken during the closure. A joint meeting of officials from the Department of Livestock Services, Central Veterinary Laboratory and Epidemiology and Disease Control Division later approved reopening.
Before the outbreak, the zoo attracted 1,700–1,800 visitors on weekdays, 5,000–7,000 on Saturdays and 3,500–5,000 on Sundays. On reopening day, only around 800 visitors entered.
The zoo, which charges Rs 100 for children and senior citizens, Rs 150 for students and Rs 250 for other visitors, generated nearly Rs 180 million in revenue last fiscal year and had set a Rs 210 million target for 2025/26. Officials said the prolonged closure has made achieving that target more difficult.
Operating hours have also been shortened, with ticket counters now open from 10 am to 4 pm and visitors required to leave by 5 pm. Authorities said monitoring and preventive measures remain in place to ensure the safety of animals, birds and visitors.
