Perth Zoo among several in Australia closing exhibits in bid to protect animals from deadly bird flu

Zoos and wildlife parks in Australia are shutting down exhibits to protect their creatures from the deadly new bird flu.

With the H5 strain now on Australian soil, Aussie animal attractions have been forced to make major adjustments to help prevent the spread.

At Perth Zoo, several small precautions have been added throughout the site, as it also looks to protect species.

These include adding extra barriers, signs and hand sanitiser points, in precautions reminiscent of those made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures, which also include tweaks to enclosures, have been designed to reduce the contact between zoo animals and wild birds.

The changes include installing roofing barriers over the habitats of some of its most endangered species — including western ground parrots, numbats and black cockatoos.

The zoo is also considering asking staff and visitors to wear PPE when accessing certain areas, such as foot coverings.

Perth Zoo executive director David van Ooran said the site had taken advice from colleagues at zoos overseas to plan for the eventuality of bird flu reaching Australia.

“The one upside is that we have been aware (of bird flu) for a long time and that has allowed us to watch colleagues and plan our own action accordingly,” Mr van Ooran said. “We think we are really well located in that sense and are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.”

He said the main threat to animals in the zoo would be brought by wild birds finding their way into the premises — adding that measures were being taken to reduce the risk.

“As is the case with most zoos, we have wonderful botanical features on site so it is inevitable that wild birds come here, particularly for the waterbeds,” he said. “It is something that will affect the whole community.

“We have got a really detailed biosecurity plan in place and are looking at installing special sanitation mats for our walk-through aviaries.

“Fortunately, we have not had to close these yet, but it is something we may have to consider.”

However, Mr van Ooran said the zoo was still operating.

“Our message is that we are very much open for business, there is no real change to overall experience and we’re in the busy school holiday period,” he said.

“We would still encourage people to get along as normal.”

At Adelaide Zoo, bosses have temporarily closed walk-through aviaries and suspended the little penguin experience.

The only zoo in Australia with giant pandas has also put a halt to its free flight bird shows, which usually take place daily to showcase the aerial skills of owls and macaws.

Zoos SA chief executive Phil Ainsley which runs Adelaide Zoo and Monarto, said preparations for the strain’s arrival had been going on for several years.

“Our focus is always the welfare of the animals in our care,” he said. “We have detailed plans in place and are ready to implement additional biosecurity measures if required.”

“We are working closely with government agencies and following expert advice.”

Zoos are also desperately urging anybody who finds a sick bird to not take them to the attraction in hope of accessing veterinary care.

Taronga Zoo in Sydney, which runs two animal hospitals, has introduced strict new policies for new admissions — requiring people to call ahead before bringing any birds on site.