4 more tigers and 3 lions test positive for coronavirus at Bronx zoo

Seven additional big cats at the Bronx Zoo have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total to eight infected cats, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced Wednesday. 

The new cases were reported from four tigers and three African lions, the conservation group which operates the zoo said. 

The cases follow the first confirmed COVID-19 case of a tiger at the zoo that was announced earlier this month. 

“All eight cats continue to do well. They are behaving normally, eating well, and their coughing is greatly reduced,” the conservation group said. 

The seven new cats were diagnosed via fecal testing and did not have to go under anesthesia to collect a sample from their noses or throats as the first tiger tested did.

The cats were infected by a staff person who was asymptomatically carrying the coronavirus, and new preventive measures are in place for all staff caring for the cats in the zoos, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Other cats in the zoo are reportedly not showing signs of illness.