Gorilla troop members at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, the zoo confirmed on Monday, adding that the animals are believed to have contracted the virus from an asymptotic member of the team. It is said to be the first known instance of such transmission.
Two gorillas were observed coughing on January 6, prompting researchers at the California Animal Health and Food Safety System to carry out tests on fecal samples, according to a statement published on Monday. Preliminary results showed the presence of the virus, which was then confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
It was not clear how many gorillas tested positive for the virus. The statement also did not detail whether the gorillas with a positive result were male or female or any age-related information.
The gorillas are “doing well” and quarantined with the rest of the gorilla troop, the statement said.
Gorillas are said to be fine, despite “some congestion and coughing”.
(Christina Simmons San Diego Zoo Safari Park)
“In addition to some congestion and cough, the gorillas are doing well.” Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in the press release. “The troops remain in quarantine and are eating and drinking. We hope for a full recovery.”
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It is not known whether gorillas will suffer from serious illnesses caused by the virus.
“For almost a year, our team members have been working tirelessly, with the greatest determination to protect each other and the wildlife in our care from this highly contagious virus,” said Peterson. “The safety of our staff and the wildlife in our care remains our number one priority.”
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The safari park has been closed to the public since December 6 as a result of pandemic blocking measures. San Diego County saw 191,888 cases of coronavirus, according to public health data, including 3,288 additional diseases that were reported on Saturday.