Visitors return disappointed as Delhi zoo remains closed over bird flu scare

New Delhi: The National Zoological Park, which has been a favourite spot for city dwellers especially during festive season, wore a deserted look on Monday as many reached here only to find its gates closed.

"We are coming from Rajasthan. We had promised our children a trip to Delhi zoo when we visit the city. It is sad the zoo is closed. We were not aware of the bird flu," 28-year-old Shamsuddin said.

The Delhi zoo has been shut down over the death of 13 water birds due to H5N8 avian inlfuenza in the past weeks. It is likely to remain closed for the next three months.

Zoo curator Riyaz Khan said the zoo received a footfall of around 28,000 people last festive season, especially during Diwali and Eid.

Many foreign visitors were also left disappointed with the shut gates.

"My friends had told me about Delhi zoo. I wanted to show the place, which has a variety of plants and animals, to my 2-year-old son. I guess we have to alter our plans now," Mark from France said.

Lucy Williams, who works with an automobile firm in Chennai, said there were no posters or fliers to inform the crowd about the zoo closure.

"A board just said 'zoo closed'," she said.