SAN DIEGO — At least two gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for COVID-19, zoo officials said in a news release.
Officials said the gorillas were tested after they started coughing on Jan. 6.
Members of our gorilla troop tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well and we are hopeful for a full recovery. Read the full update: https://t.co/HIezWKBFxG pic.twitter.com/MAkPYPzxWP
— San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) January 11, 2021
A preliminary test came back positive on Jan. 8. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the results Monday.
“Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well,” the zoo’s executive director, Lisa Peterson said.
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Officials believe the gorillas got the virus from an asymptomatic staff member despite following coronavirus safety protocols as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the news release said.
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