A Christmas pop-up shop in the city
07:57, 29 Nov 2025Updated 14:00, 29 Nov 2025
Momo & Koshi – pure Cork pandas(Image: Michael O’Sullivan / OSM PHOTO)
It has been a very difficult time for Cork’s best-loved visitor attraction – but staff from Fota Wildlife Park are hoping they can still count on the support of the public this Christmas.
They will be opening a pop-up shop at the popular Marina Market this weekend, selling gift cards and gift shop items, as they take the chance to meet with people who have been unable to go to the park due to the shutdown over Avian Flu. Up to 70 birds have been eythanised at the Park since the start of the flu outbreak and it remains closed to the public.
However, staff from Fota will be at the Marina Market today and tomorrow, from 10 am to 6 pm, selling physical gift cards (digital vouchers along with a select few items from their gift shop.
The Park says: “While our incredible supporters have continued to stand with us during our temporary closure, through donation or by sponsoring an animal, we know that many of our Fota Family have been looking for physical items in the run up to the festive season.”
Due to avian influenza biosecurity protocols, our gates are temporarily closed. But caring for our 700 animals doesn’t stop, it continues around the clock at approximately €120,000 each week. Despite any challenges, the welfare of the animals always remains our top priority and your support makes a real difference during this unprecedented time.”
Fota Wildlife Park is home to 21 species of captive birds. It is also home to over 100 species of animals (almost 700 animals in total) and 75 of these animal species are at risk of extinction. The Park is a conservation charity and is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork city.