Belfast Zoo closed for a second day after E.coli outbreak

Belfast Zoo is closed for a second day after E. coli was found in a water sample from the site.

The zoo closed on Tuesday as a “precautionary measure”, operators Belfast City Council said, while the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the council’s environmental health team carry out more sampling.

That closure was then extended into Wednesday.

The council said the safety of visitors and animals “remains our top priority” and that it hopes to reopen “as soon as possible”.

The council also apologised for any disappointment caused for those with pre-booked tickets and advised them to contact the zoo for a refund.

The zoo initially announced it was closed on Tuesday due to “an urgent maintenance issue”, Belfast Live reported before it was later confirmed that E.coli had been detected.

Belfast City Council said further updates on reopening will be provided via the zoo’s website and social media channels.

E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in human and animal intestines.

Some types are harmless but others can make people seriously ill.