Officials at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo says their Sumatran tigers and snow leopards have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Over the weekend, animal keepers observed symptoms consistent with the virus.
Fecal samples as well as nasal swab samples for great cats were collected and some tested positive. All snow leopards and tigers are being treated with steroids and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
“Our Zoo team is working to ensure the affected animals receive the highest level of care as they recover,” zoo officials said in a statement. “Our veterinary team is following treatment plans used at other Zoos with successful COVID-19 felid recoveries. The tigers and the snow leopards will remain under close observation from the Zoo’s on-site veterinary staff and zookeepers.”
The statement also says zoo staff will manage the cats’ access to their outdoor habitats. “Given the substantial distance between the animals and visitors, the public is not, nor has been, at any risk. No other animals at the Zoo are showing any signs of infection.”
There is no evidence to pinpoint the source of the infection. This is the first time an animal has tested positive for COVID-19 at the zoo. All of the animals are expected to fully recover.