Two Gorillas at San Diego Zoo Test Positive For Coronavirus

Gorillas are the latest animal species to have tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus.

Two of San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park gorillas have tested positive after showing signs of coughing and congestion, director Lisa Peterson revealed, via People.

Preliminary tests run on the two gorillas detected COVID-19 on Friday, and the The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the results today.

“The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery,” she shared.

Lisa also hypothesized that while staff has been wearing PPE around the animals for years, the gorillas could have picked it up from one who was asymptotic for the virus.

“For almost one year our team members have been working tirelessly, with the utmost determination to protect each other and the wildlife in our care from this highly contagious virus,” she added. “The safety of our staff and the wildlife in our care remains our number one priority.”

Lions and Tigers were the first to test positive for coronavirus, as well as household cats, in the early days of the pandemic.