Eight gorillas at the San Diego Zoo have fully recovered after contracting Covid-19 last month, the zoo said.
The western lowland gorillas have caught the West Coast variant of the coronavirus, say zoo officials, despite team members complying with all recommended biosafety precautions.
All eight gorillas in the zoo were isolated after diagnosis, and some showed symptoms that included ‘mild cough, congestion, nasal discharge and intermittent lethargy, “the zoo said in an online update.
Zoo officials acknowledge the restoration of the gorillas as ‘the highest standard of care’ offered by the zoo’s team, wildlife professionals and a partnership with a wide range of colleagues and partners.
“We are so grateful for the pouring concern and support we received while the troop recovered safely,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “We are delighted to share the joy that this beloved gang brings to our community and to our guests.”
The San Diego Zoo has committed to sharing documentation of the coronavirus in its gorillas in the hope that it will help provide important information about scientific understanding of the virus and its effects on great apes.
The gorillas are now on view for visitors.