Banking News – Jawalakhel Zoo in Lalitpur has incurred an estimated financial loss of nearly Rs. 30 million after remaining closed for 27 days following the confirmation of a bird flu outbreak.

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) closed the zoo to the public from Asar 5 after bird flu was detected. Following successful containment of the outbreak, the zoo resumed operations on Shrawan 1.

According to Information Officer Ganesh Koirala, extensive sanitation measures, treatment of affected animals and other preventive protocols were implemented after the infection was confirmed. The decision to reopen was made jointly by the Department of Livestock Services, the Central Veterinary Laboratory, and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division after determining that the outbreak had been brought under control.

Before the closure, the zoo attracted around 1,700 to 1,800 visitors on weekdays, while weekend attendance ranged from 3,500 to 7,000 visitors. However, only about 800 people visited the zoo on its reopening day, reflecting a significant decline in visitor turnout.

The zoo currently charges Rs. 100 for children and senior citizens, Rs. 150 for students, and Rs. 250 for other visitors.

Jawalakhel Zoo generated approximately Rs. 180 million in revenue during the previous fiscal year. Although it had targeted Rs. 210 million in revenue for fiscal year 2082/83, officials acknowledge that the prolonged closure due to the bird flu outbreak has made achieving that target considerably more difficult.