An outbreak of bird flu has meant one of the South West's most popular attractions is having to remain shut.
Paignton Zoo in Devon suddenly closed its doors on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29) because of a suspected case of avian flu - colloquially known as bird flu.
Elsewhere in the area, Torbay Council has been putting up warnings for bird flu and, on lampposts near a local beach, signs have been placed telling people not to interact with birds, reports DevonLive.
The signs warn that "avian influenza is circulating in this area" and tells people not to touch dead or sick wild birds, keep dogs away from the birds and to not feed wild birds.
A statement from the zoo shared yesterday (September 2) said the cases had been confirmed and that the venue would therefore remain closed.
It said that zoo management are working with the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs to manage the outbreak.
The zoo is having to cull the affected birds, with the zoo describing this as "heart-breaking".
Pictures of the zoo taken today (September 3) show the sad sight of the site closed.
Signs on the front gates read: "We are closed today due to a confirmed case of avian influenza. Please check our website and social media for updates."
A statement on the zoo's website said: "Since receiving the positive test results for avian influenza in two of our birds, we have been cooperating with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) to investigate the infection and implement the necessary biosecurity and quarantine measures.
"The positive test results have meant that we have been placed under a restriction notice by APHA and the findings of their investigation have led to a list of actions which we are now required to comply with.
"Our priority throughout has been the health and welfare of our birds and we have been doing all we can to ensure their safety and the continued provision of their usual excellent care.
"This weekend will be spent finalising the necessary biosecurity and quarantine measures to enable us to implement the required actions, and updates regarding re-opening will be provided on Monday, 5 September."
Elsewhere in the area, Torbay council has been putting up warnings for bird flu.
On lampposts near Goodrington Beach, signs have been placed telling people not to interact with birds.
One sign reads: "Avian influenza is circulating in this area. Don't risk spreading it.
"Do not touch dead or sick wild birds, keep dogs away from the birds, and do not feed wild birds."
Locals have been told to report dead birds to the local SWISCO, the local waste agency in Torbay. They will deal with the animals.
