The Kansas City Zoo announced via press release that one of their western lowland gorillas recently had the delta variant of COVID-19. The other five gorillas that make up the zoo’s troop, are presumed to also be positive. The zoo has yet to receive official test results.While all the gorillas have shown symptoms of the virus, some have already returned to normal. The zoo says the rest of the troop continue to respond to treatment and are improving.The gorillas’ care specialists first noticed that Charlie the gorilla did not appear to be feeling well on Sept. 22 and then began coughing on Sept. 25. The zoo says the veterinary health team immediately began treatment but within the next several days other gorillas began showing symptoms. Coughing and a lack of appetite are among many outward symptoms the animals began displaying. Related video: COVID-19 spreads through gorillas at zoo in Atlanta All of the gorillas are scheduled for the Zoetis vaccine, which was specifically developed for use with animals. The zoo says research has shown the vaccine to be safe."As always, the top priority of the Kansas City Zoo is the health and safety of our animals, guests, and staff. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the zoo implemented protocols to keep susceptible animals and their caregivers safe," The KC Zoo said in their press release. The zoo doesn't know how the gorillas came down with virus. They also say that visitors to the KC Zoo are not at risk of contracting COVID-19, due to the viewing distance and design of their gorilla habitat.
The Kansas City Zoo announced via press release that one of their western lowland gorillas recently had the delta variant of COVID-19.
The other five gorillas that make up the zoo’s troop, are presumed to also be positive. The zoo has yet to receive official test results.
While all the gorillas have shown symptoms of the virus, some have already returned to normal. The zoo says the rest of the troop continue to respond to treatment and are improving.
The gorillas’ care specialists first noticed that Charlie the gorilla did not appear to be feeling well on Sept. 22 and then began coughing on Sept. 25.
The zoo says the veterinary health team immediately began treatment but within the next several days other gorillas began showing symptoms. Coughing and a lack of appetite are among many outward symptoms the animals began displaying.
Related video: COVID-19 spreads through gorillas at zoo in Atlanta
All of the gorillas are scheduled for the Zoetis vaccine, which was specifically developed for use with animals. The zoo says research has shown the vaccine to be safe.
"As always, the top priority of the Kansas City Zoo is the health and safety of our animals, guests, and staff. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the zoo implemented protocols to keep susceptible animals and their caregivers safe," The KC Zoo said in their press release.
The zoo doesn't know how the gorillas came down with virus. They also say that visitors to the KC Zoo are not at risk of contracting COVID-19, due to the viewing distance and design of their gorilla habitat.
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