Bird flu: Wellington Zoo cancels all close encounters with penguins
Wellington Zoo has suspended close encounters with blue penguins as a precautionary measure against the H5N1 bird flu. The zoo is working with government agencies to monitor for the virus and protect its most vulnerable species.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing global concern regarding the spread of H5N1 and the proactive steps institutions are taking to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Wellington zoo has cancelled about 15 close encounter bookings with kororā blue penguins after two bird flu cases in the region. Photo / RNZ, Baz Macdonald
Wellington Zoo has cancelled all close encounters with kororā blue penguins as it takes precautionary measures against the H5N1 bird flu strain.
The first of two confirmed cases of the virus – a brown skua – was brought to Wellington Zoo for testing earlier this month.
The zoo said it has canned about 15 close encounter bookings.
Animal science manager Simon Eyre said they are taking measures to protect their most at-risk species – the top of the list being the blue penguin.
The experience costs $129 per person for 30 minutes, and was the first close encounter with a native species the zoo had offered.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in