Latest samples test negative for bird flu; zoo asks ministry to allow reopening

No positive samples have been reported from September 2 onwards, the zoo officials said, stating random sampling has been carried out and sent to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal.

Published on: Oct 9, 2025, 04:50:06 IST

By Jasjeev Gandhiok

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The Delhi zoo on Wednesday said the latest set of samples – sent for testing for avian influenza (bird flu) had returned back negative. The zoo, which was shut since August 30 following multiple bird deaths, has now approached the Union Environment Ministry, seeking approval to resume operations.

At least 12 bird deaths were reported at the Delhi zoo Between August 28 and 31.Four samples tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus.

No positive samples have been reported from September 2 onwards, the zoo officials said, stating random sampling has been carried out and sent to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal.

Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said the proposal to resume operations has been sent to the competent authorities and that the decision will be taken in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

“The report for the latest samples, sent on October 1 and received on October 7, came back negative. As per the rules, after two consecutive negative reports since the last positive case, we have moved a proposal for reopening and the date will be informed once the ministry gives approval,” he said.

At least 12 bird deaths were reported at the Delhi zoo Between August 28 and 31.Four samples tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus. The dead birds included six painted storks and two black-headed ibis, which were found in the aviary and four migratory painted stork, which died in the zoo ponds.

This is the third closure of the Delhi zoo due to avian influenza in recent years — previous shutdowns were recorded in 2016 and 2021.

Established in 1959, the zoo houses 96 different species of animals, birds, and reptiles and is spread across an area of 176 acres.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasjeev Gandhiok
Jasjeev Gandhiok is an Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times, where he covers environment, climate change, the clean energy transition and wildlife at the National Bureau. Gandhiok has over a decade of experience in journalism and is based in Delhi. He has reported extensively on Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This includes the region's air pollution woes, a polluted Yamuna and on urban wildlife still thriving in the region. He joined HT in October 2021. Prior to that, he had five-year stint at The Times of India in Delhi, where he also covered Delhi, with a focus on environment and wildlife. Gandhiok has covered some recent events around the Capital too, ranging from the farmers' protests, the northeast Delhi riots and the CAA-NRC protests, reporting from the ground on all of these. He also travels across the country to report on how environment and climate change impact everyday life, while also writing on endangered species. His reports in 2019 on toxic leachate from Delhi's landfills led to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) taking suo motu cognisance and ultimately asking the state government to start bio-mining to flatten and remove all three landfills in the capital. He also closely tracks the implementation of government policies on climate, renewable energy and environmental protection. His focus remains on impactful, public-interest journalism which explains how environmental decisions affect people's everyday lives.Read More

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