The Delhi zoo has been closed to visitors after an avian influenza outbreak was confirmed, following the deaths of painted storks and black-necked ibises, senior officials said. Heightened bio-security measures have been put in place, they added.
Zoo Director Dr Sanjeet Kumar confirmed the closure.
“Samples from two painted storks in the water bird aviary of the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, were sent for screening of avian influenza to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, on August 27. The result was reported positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus for both samples on the evening of August 28 by NIHSAD, Bhopal,” Dr Kumar said in a statement.
On Friday evening, two more painted storks died and their samples were sent to NIHSAD. Earlier this week, two black necked ibis had also died; their report is expected after resampling on Saturday, officials said.
Along with intensive surveillance, strict bio-security measures have been put in place to prevent its spread among other animals, birds, and staff.
“Further, in the interest of public health, safety and to strengthen bio-safety protocol, the zoo will be temporarily closed for visitors from August 30 till further orders,” the statement read.
Officials added that the next 21 days will be critical in containing the spread of the virus.
This marks the third recorded avian influenza outbreak at the Delhi Zoo, with previous incidents reported in 2016 and 2021. Sources said that all captive and migratory birds are being closely monitored, and strict segregation protocol is in place to prevent further deaths.
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Two lion cubs and a Royal Bengal tiger cub will also be under special observation, as previous reports indicate that tiger deaths have occurred in large zoos due to avian flu, a senior official noted.
Recently, the zoo had witnessed five Royal Bengal tiger cub deaths out of a litter of six due to infection and weakness.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has laid out general precautions for visitors as well as zookeeping staff in such situations. Among the specific bio-security measures that need to be taken are testing of captive birds, segregation of birds, and disinfection of premises.
“As soon as the disease is confirmed as H5 or H7 Avian Influenza, control actions to be initiated are the same as for domestic poultry,” the CZA has said.
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It added, “However, wild/endangered/ precious captive birds confirmed as non-infected may be exempted from culling. Visitor entry needs to be stopped forthwith.”
In addition to sampling of birds, environmental samples like water, soil, etc, are to be collected and sent for testing, as per the guidelines.
According to CZA, “Sampling has to be repeated every 15 days at least four times; if consecutive two samplings from the last positive result are found negative, then the opening of the zoo for the public may be considered by the competent authority.”
Senior zoo officials have confirmed that regular sampling and negative results will need to be obtained before the zoo reopens.
Sophiya Mathew is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. She joined the Delhi bureau in 2024, and has specialization in Integrated Multimedia Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai.
Professional Background
Core Beats: Her reporting is primarily focused on the Environment and Education.
Specialization: She has gained recognition for her ground-level reporting on the Yamuna floodplains and the socio-economic challenges faced by those living on its banks. She also focuses on the disparities in Delhi's education system, ranging from elite private schools to government institutions and refugee education.
Recent Notable Articles (December 2025)
Her recent work has been heavily centered on Delhi's severe winter pollution crisis and the government's regulatory responses:
1. The Air Pollution Crisis
"A tale of two cities: Delhi govt schools choke in bad air, private classrooms set up air filters" (Dec 20, 2025): A high-impact feature contrasting the "Clean Air Bubbles" in elite schools with the reality of government school students who are exposed to an equivalent of 17 cigarettes a day due to outdoor exposure.
"Delhi sees season's worst air day, second worst December AQI in nearly a decade" (Dec 15, 2025): An analytical report on the meteorological patterns trapping pollutants in the NCR.
"Delhi bans non-BS VI vehicles from outside: Why curbing vehicular pollution is key" (Dec 17, 2025): Explaining the science behind targeting specific vehicle vintages to lower particulate matter.
2. Enforcement & Regulations
"No fuel at pumps in Delhi without valid PUC certificate from December 18" (Dec 17, 2025): Breaking the news on the environment ministry's strict "No PUC, No Fuel" policy.
3. Education Policy
"Law to regulate school fee in Delhi risks becoming procedural, say parents" (Dec 13, 2025): Investigating the loopholes in the new Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025.
"Monsoon Session: Private school fee regulation Bill cleared after four-hour debate" (Aug 9, 2025): Covering the legislative passage of the controversial fee hike regulation.
Signature Style
Sophiya is known for her observational depth. Her reporting often includes vivid details from school corridors, hospital waitlists, or the banks of the Yamuna to illustrate how policy failures affect the city's most vulnerable residents. She is a frequent expert guest on the 3 Things podcast, where she explains the complexities of Delhi’s environmental laws.
X (Twitter): @SophiyaMathew1 ... Read More
