Several gorillas and lions at Rotterdam’s Blijdorp Zoo have tested positive for coronavirus, which they may have picked up from an employee without any symptoms.
A number of gorillas and lions in Diergaarde Blijdorp have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the zoo confirmed on Friday.
The animals show flu-like symptoms: they are lethargic, have less appetite, sometimes a mild cough and the gorillas also have stomach and intestinal problems.
Research from zoos in the United States and elsewhere has shown the condition of the animal before infection is important for the course of the disease.
Fortunately, blijdorp zoo animals are in good condition and have no underlying health risks.
That is why they expect that the disease will also be mild in these animals.
There have been no risks for visitors. In a normal situation there is no direct contact between visitors and these animal species.
The enclosures of the gorillas and lions are also immediately closed at the very first corona suspicions, so that the animals remain in quarantine.
The animals are now temporarily not visible to the public.
From the start of the corona crisis in 2020, the caregivers will work according to a special corona protocol with protective measures (masks, gloves, 1.5 meters away, extra hygiene, staying home and testing in case of complaints).
But it is suspected that an employee without symptoms of illness (asymptomatic) may have been the source of the infection.
The animal caretakers and the vet keep a close eye on the gorillas and lions.
They support with medication where necessary.
It is the first time since the outbreak of the corona pandemic that animals in Blijdorp have tested positive for SARS-COV-2.
Source link : https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/leeuwen-en-gorillas-positief-getest-op-corona/
