Two Primates Test Covid Positive in US Zoo

For the first time at a zoo in the US two primates test positive for coronavirus

In a zoo in the United States of America (USA) at least two gorillas in California’s San Diego have caught the coronavirus, in a first known instance of natural contagion a zoo official said on Monday. The governor Gavin Newsom said that since last week the two primates started coughing and have now tested positive of COVID-19 while the third is now showing symptoms. A zoo worker who was asymptomatic is thought to have transferred the corona infection to the primates but this is yet to be confirmed.

In a statement issued by the famous zoo’s executive director Lisa Peterson she said “Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well. The troops are put on a quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery.”

It is yet unknown if the gorillas will have severe response to the disease that has almost killed 1.94 millions of humans and if or not the other members of the troops have also been affected. The DNA of the gorillas matches up to 98% with the human beings and research and studies has also discovered that some non-human primates are vulnerable to the infections of COVID-19.

Since the early December the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where the gorillas are kept has been closed for the visitors as the record cases were on a rise through Southern California. The zoo workers are required to wear PPE kits, especially masks, said the zoo.