Bird Flu Response

Yes. Symbio Wildlife Park remains open unless advised otherwise by NSW Government authorities.

The health and wellbeing of our animals, staff and visitors is our highest priority. We continue to monitor the situation closely and have enhanced biosecurity measures in place to help protect the animals in our care.

Yes. There is currently no increased risk to visitors from simply visiting the zoo.

We continue to follow advice from NSW and Australian Government authorities and have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures as a precaution.

You may notice some temporary changes around the park, including:

• Additional signage
• Temporary barriers around some habitats
• Changes to selected animal encounters or keeper talks
• Temporary closure of some exhibits if required

These measures are designed to protect the animals in our care while ensuring you continue to enjoy a safe and memorable visit.

Some species are more susceptible to H5 avian influenza than others.

Where appropriate, we may temporarily modify experiences or habitats to minimise contact between zoo animals and wild birds, or to comply with government advice.

These decisions are made with animal welfare as our highest priority.

Our teams have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, including:

• Increased health monitoring of susceptible species
• Additional cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Enhanced veterinary surveillance
• Biosecurity protocols for staff and contractors
• Ongoing collaboration with government agencies and the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)
• Prepared response plans should the situation change

Our experienced animal care and veterinary teams monitor the health of every animal every day.

We have comprehensive disease surveillance and biosecurity plans in place and continue to follow expert advice from government veterinarians and industry specialists.

There are currently no plans to close Symbio Wildlife Park.

If government advice changes or additional measures become necessary, we will communicate these through our website and social media channels.

H5 avian influenza (also known as HPAI or bird flu) is a viral disease that primarily affects birds.

Some strains, including H5N1, have caused significant disease in wild birds and poultry around the world.

Australia has strong surveillance systems to detect and respond to cases quickly.

H5 avian influenza primarily affects birds, particularly:

• Waterbirds
• Seabirds
• Migratory birds
• Poultry

Some mammals can also become infected, particularly animals that hunt or scavenge birds, including seals, sea lions, foxes, cats and more.

The virus can spread through:

• Direct contact with infected birds
• Contact with bird droppings
• Contaminated water
• Contaminated equipment, footwear or clothing
• Predation or scavenging of infected birds

Wild migratory birds are considered one of the main ways the virus spreads between countries.

Human infections are very rare.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

People who have prolonged close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments are at greater risk than members of the public visiting a zoo or wildlife park.