Guindy Children’s Park in Chennai was suddenly closed on Friday after birds kept in large cages for public viewing were found dead in clusters. Authorities have not announced when the park will reopen.
The development comes amid earlier bird flu concerns in the city. In Adyar, crows had reportedly died one after another on January 5, and samples were sent to the Central Veterinary Research Institute in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which confirmed avian influenza. The Union government subsequently advised the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to intensify preventive steps statewide, ensure safe disposal of dead crows, and warned the public not to touch birds by hand.
The Guindy facility, under the Forest Department, spans about 22 acres and was recently upgraded at a cost of Rs 20 crore. As part of the revamp, large enclosures were set up to display birds typically seen at Vedanthangal for visitors.
The park houses over 200 birds across 10 species, including pelicans, spoonbills, egrets, storks and herons. Officials said more than 10 birds died a few days ago, with deaths continuing over subsequent days; the total is now reported to have crossed 50.
Senior officials have reportedly ordered an inquiry into the deaths. Park officials said the closure was to carry out precautionary work related to bird flu prevention.
