Zoos South Australia is closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding the detection of the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in South Australia on 24 June.

Any wildlife response within South Australia will be led and coordinated by the South Australian Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). Zoos South Australia will work closely with these agencies and provide our support where required.

Our priority at Zoos SA is, as always, the health and welfare of the animals in our care. We have comprehensive biosecurity and response plans in place and are prepared to implement additional protective measures should specific risk thresholds or trigger points be reached. This includes the immediate closure of walk-through aviaries and suspension of the Adelaide Zoo Free Flight Bird Show, as we continue to monitor the evolving situation.

We continue to follow expert advice and maintain close communication with relevant authorities, including the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) and Wildlife Health Australia (WHA), to ensure we are well positioned to respond appropriately should the situation change.

Remember, AVOID, RECORD, REPORT: Members of the public who observe sick or dead wild birds are encouraged not to touch or handle them, and report their observations to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Reports play an important role in supporting surveillance, early detection, and response efforts.

At this stage, we can reassure the Zoos SA community, members and visitors that we are taking a proactive and precautionary approach to protecting the birds and other animals in our care. Both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park remain open to the public, however we may implement some changes across sites as we implement precautionary measures to keep vulnerable species safe.

Quotes attributable to Dr Phil Ainsley, Chief Executive Zoos SA:

“As the last continent in the world to record cases of H5 HPAI, Australia has been preparing for this for several years. This has also afforded us opportunities to learn from colleagues around the world who have experienced HPAI outbreaks, helping us understand what measures can be most effective in protecting animals and staff, and managing the risks.”

“Our focus is always the welfare of the animals in our care. 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, and we encourage the community to report any sick or dead wild birds through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.”