11 lions at Denver Zoo test positive for COVID-19

Eleven lions at the Denver Zoo have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The zoo confirmed the positive tests in a statement shared on Twitter on Monday after workers noticed the lions coughing, sneezing, having nasal discharge, and acting lethargic. 

According to the Zoo’s statement on Monday, the sick lions received Nasal swab tests, which confirmed their positive tests results. 

Today we’re sharing that our 11 African lions, ranging in age from 1 to 9, tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 after their keepers observed coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and nasal discharge in the animals.

MORE INFORMATION: https://t.co/Ou9NJENKvz (1/7) pic.twitter.com/o7JiOJCTeu

— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) October 25, 2021

The zoo’s animal care staff and veterinarians said the lions are experiencing mild symptoms, adding they are still keeping close attention on the lions and will treat them individually as needed.

Brian Aucone, the Denver Zoo’s senior vice president for life science, said that two tigers at the zoo also came down with COVID-19 along with other big cats at zoos throughout the country. 

“Fortunately, the vast majority have fully recovered, and the upside is that there’s an established knowledge base for us to draw from to help treat our animals,” Aucone said. 

“We’ve been in touch with other zoos that have also recently managed COVID cases in their big cats to inform the care we’re providing.”