Denver Zoo's Tigers Test Positive For Coronavirus

Denver CO

15 October, 2021

3:59 AM

Description

Press release from the Denver Zoo: October 14, 2021 Today we announced that our two 11-year-old Amur tigers, Yuri and Nikita, tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. After our 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, CO. The results were also confirmed positive by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories. 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. "We've known for a long time what species at the Zoo are susceptible to the virus, and we've taken every necessary precaution to protect all of our animals," said Brian Aucone, Senior Vice President for Life Sciences at Denver Zoo. "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. We've worked closely with a number of partners to develop effective health and safety protocols, including Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 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. Additionally, in 2020, we installed protective barriers around the tigers' habitat, The Edge, to ensure safe distancing between guests and the animals. 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. Daily tiger demonstrations have been suspended until Yuri and Nikita fully recover. We will continue to provide updates as their status changes. This press release was produced by the Denver Zoo. The views expressed here are the author's own.