Thirteen western lowland gorillas at the Atlanta Zoo are receiving treatment for COVID-19 after initial tests turned positive, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
Why it’s important: The Atlanta Zoo confirmed Friday in a statement that “a number” of its 20 gorillas had allegedly tested positive and that the zoo believes they were infected by a fully vaccinated team member.
- The team member was wearing PPE and was asymptomatic that day, the statement added.
Game status: The gorillas tested the virus after showing classic symptoms such as coughing, runny nose and minor changes in appetite, according to the statement.
- Oral and fecal samples were sent to the University of Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Athens, which returned with 13 presumed positive results.
- The zoo is now awaiting confirmation from the Ames National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Iowa, which also received samples.
- Gorillas at risk of developing complications are being treated with monoclonal antibodies, the statement added.
- The 20 gorillas will be tested regularly regardless of symptoms, the zoo added.
Once they recover, gorillas, as well as zoo Born and Sumatra orangutans, Sumatran tigers, African lions and the clouded leopard, will receive the Zoetis coronavirus vaccine developed for animals.
What they say: “Teams are closely monitoring the affected gorillas and hope they are fully recovered,” said Sam Rivera, the zoo’s senior animal health director.
- “They are getting the best care possible and we are ready to provide additional supportive care if needed,” Rivera said.
The overview: Other zoos across the country have also begun vaccinating some of their charges.
- On August 30, the Detroit Zoo announced that it had begun vaccinating itself, starting with its gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers and lions.
- Oakland Zoo began vaccinating its animals in July.
- In February, the great apes at the San Diego Zoo became the first animals in the country to be inoculated against the virus, according to National Geographic.
- Zoetis plans to send 11,000 doses of the animal vaccine to more than 80 institutions across the country for free, according to National Geographic.