The Dallas Zoo announced on its Facebook page on February 8 that five of its western lowland gorillas have tested positive for COVID-19.
The zoo explained the results were determined due to the regular testing for the virus that it performs on its animals.
“As part of routine testing of our animals, preliminary results indicate that Shana, B’Wenzi, Marcus, Asha, and Shanta have all tested positive for the virus but are not showing any clinical signs of illness,” the Dallas Zoo said.
The zoo added that the results are pending confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) and that all other gorillas in the zoo have tested negative so far.
The Dallas Zoo revealed that big cats and great apes are at risk of being infected by COVID-19, which is why it regularly tested them throughout the pandemic and instituted strict protocols to protect the animals from exposure.
According to the Dallas Zoo, the gorillas do not need treatment since they are currently asymptomatic.
“Both troops will be closely monitored by our zoologists and veterinarians and will be tested every few days until they have cleared the virus,” the zoo added.
The zoo said it is encouraged by the fact that the gorillas have not begun to show symptoms of the virus even though it is concerned about the preliminary test results.
The animal care staff at the zoo will remain on standby to provide treatment if necessary.
The Dallas Zoo revealed that strict COVID-19 protocols are in place for their staff requiring them to be tested every week and use personal protective equipment.
