KATHMANDU: The chief of Central Zoo, Jawalakhel, Satyanarayan Shah, has been placed under investigation over allegations of failing to timely inform the central office of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) about a confirmed outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) at the zoo.
Acting on instructions from Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment and NTNC Chair Gita Chaudhary, the trust removed Shah from his position as zoo chief.
NTNC has also formed a three-member investigation committee led by spokesperson and head of the Species Department, Rachana Shah, to determine the cause of the bird flu outbreak and review related issues.
The committee includes NTNC Administration Chief Hari Bikram Singh and Head of the Conservation Area Department Dr. Madhu Kshetri. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within one week.
According to NTNC, Sah was recalled to the central office for allegedly failing to show adequate sensitivity regarding wildlife protection and information reporting.
Following his removal, senior officer Babulal Tiruwa has been assigned as acting chief of the zoo.
The bird flu infection was confirmed through laboratory testing conducted by the Department of Livestock Services.
According to the trust, birds and animals had reportedly been dying at the zoo for around 10 days, but the central office had not been informed. Subsequent testing confirmed bird flu infections in species including herons, owls, vultures, as well as animals such as civet cats and clouded leopards.
NTNC said departmental action and investigation were initiated after concerns emerged over delayed reporting of wildlife deaths and failure to notify authorities about a matter considered highly sensitive.
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