RESTRICTIONS are in place at the penguin enclosures at Sea Life in Weymouth amid a recent outbreak of bird flu cases in Dorset.
The county has reported several cases of avian influenza, with wild birds near Weymouth and animals in North Dorset testing positive for the virus.
In response to the cases and current Animal and Plant Health Agency measures, Sealife has made the decision to impose temporary restrictions on its Humboldt and Fairy Penguins attractions to visitors.
Large netting currently covers its Humboldt and Fairy penguin enclosures to prevent wild birds landing within the attractions and come into contact with the penguins.
Visitors are still able to watch the penguins at both enclosures but are unable to visit the indoor section of the Fairy penguin enclosure or use the walkway along the Humboldt site.
Signs have also been installed at both enclosures reminding guests of the measures that are in place to ‘protect’ the welfare of both guests and its animals.
Tamsin Mutton-McKnight, general manager at Sea Life, explained that the popular tourist attraction is following these APHA measures indefinitely.
She said: “In light of the current APHA restrictions in place due to the risk of avian influenza in Dorset, our penguin enclosures currently have restricted access in place for guests.
“Our colonies of Humboldt and Fairy Penguins can still be seen through the external viewing windows around their enclosures but the walk-through areas are temporarily closed.
“The welfare of our guests, team and creatures is always our highest priority.
"We will continue to monitor the government guidelines and implement any additional measures as necessary.”
It is not clear when the penguin enclosures will fully reopen to guests as Sea Life will regularly review the bird flu guidance and measures.
The popular Weymouth attraction has temporarily shut its doors as Dorset Council area was placed in Tier 3 restrictions.
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