Guindy Children’s Park closed after avian flu outbreak

Guindy Children’s Park in Chennai closes due to avian flu outbreak after nearly 40 birds die from H5N1 virus.

Guindy Children’s Park in Chennai has been closed to the public following an outbreak of avian influenza, after nearly 40 birds died in the facility since March 13, 2026.

Officials said samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), a national laboratory under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus.

According to Yogesh Kulal, Wildlife Warden, Chennai, the first deaths inside the ‘Vedanthangal Aviary’ of the Children's Park were reported on the night of March 13, when 30 birds — 24 night herons and six pelicans — died. Samples were initially sent to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur.

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On March 14, two more birds — a painted stork and a grey heron — died, following which samples were sent to NIHSAD, Bhopal. On March 15, two pelicans and a painted stork died. The last death was reported on March 18.