Another bird dies in Delhi Zoo

Another water bird succumbed to suspected H5N1 Avian Influenza at the National Zoological Park here on Thursday.

“A rosy pelican died at the zoo today (Thursday). We have sent the sample for testing. The Centre-appointed Committee to look into the bird flu situation at the zoo has also been apprised of the death,” a zoo official said.

The zoo had reported the death of a grey partridge on Wednesday. Zoo curator Riyaz Khan, however, had refused to equate the death with bird flu.

“It was a captive bird and died of fighting among the birds in the enclosure,” he had said.

The zoo remains closed amid a bird flu scare. A total of 12 water birds, including painted storks, ducks and pelicans died of H5 Avian influenza at its premises since October 14. A team of Central Zoo Authority is stationed at the zoo to monitor the