11 Denver Colorado Zoo Lions Test Positive for COVID-19

The Denver Zoo has reported that a second outbreak of COVID-19 in big cats has occurred at the zoo. A total of 11 African lions have tested positive for COVID-19 after showing signs of the virus.

The African lions were observed and showed they were coughing, sneezing, had nasal discharge, and lethargy. The 11 African lions at the Denver Zoo were tested via nasal swabs samples. These samples were sent to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins.

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The results were also confirmed by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The Denver Zoo says that the symptoms in the lions are mild currently and will be closely monitored for changes. The Denver Zoo will treat each lion individually as needed.

The Denver Zoo's 11 African lions are a total of two prides that include seven males named Jasiri, Usiku, Bahati, Kito, Robias, Tatu, and Oskar, and four females named Neliah, Sabi, Kamara, and Araali. The African lions started showing symptoms shortly after the announcement of two Amur tigers, Yuri and Nikita, who tested positive for COVID-19 on October 14.

The Denver Zoo says it will vaccinate the big cats when more doses of the animal-specific Zoetis vaccine become available. The Denver Zoo will be providing updates regarding the health of the big cats infected with COVID-19 as their status changes.

Source: Denver Zoo