Bosses at the 100-acre not-for-profit wildlife park first announced a closure on October 14 in response to the detection of avian flu.

The Co Cork facility, which cares for several different animal species in danger of extinction, said it is expected to remain closed for a minimum of another three weeks.

A statement said it made the decision based on an “ongoing assessment” of the national avian flu situation.

12 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed within Fota Wildlife Park’s collection since the outbreak began.

The park said it had taken the “difficult decision” to “humanely euthanise” 73 birds at the site.

It said this was part of a limited population management measure for non-endangered avian species.

In a statement, it said it had engaged with the Department of Agricult

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