The Denver Zoo staff announced several weeks ago that their two 11-year-old Siberian tigers, Yuri and Nikita, tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. This week, their 11 lions tested positive for the same virus! Why is this only happening to the big cats? Is this a national or international problem with all cats? Is the Denver Zoo staff vaccinated for COVID-19?
Siberian Tiger
After the Zoo’s animal care staff observed coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and nasal discharge in both animals, the tigers tested presumptive positive through fecal and nasal swab samples at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins. Yuri and Nikita are the first animals at the Zoo to test positive for COVID-19, and appear to be improving at this time. No other animals at the Zoo currently show signs of potential infection.
Brian Aucone, Senior Vice President for Life Sciences at Denver Zoo explained, “Although we can’t be certain how Yuri and Nikita became infected with COVID-19, we’re fortunate to have an incredible staff with the expertise and experience to recognize their symptoms, and provide excellent care and treatment.”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken extraordinary measures to safeguard the health of its guests, staff, and animals. Our animal care staff adheres to strict COVID-19 protocols around our animals, including required use of personal protective equipment, hygiene, cleaning, employee self-screening, and health management.
Although neither tiger has been vaccinated against COVID-19, our veterinarians are planning to vaccinate them along with other big cat species as soon as more doses of the animal-specific Zoetis vaccine become available.
Yuri and Nikita will remain under close observation by their keepers and veterinarians, and receive treatment for any symptoms as needed. Both tigers will continue to have access to their outdoor habitats, however there is no risk to public health due to the distance between guests and the animals. Article courtesy of Denver Zoo.