11 coughing, sneezing lions test positive for COVID at Denver Zoo, officials say

Eleven lions at the Denver Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19, zookeepers say.

The lions were tested for COVID-19 after zookeepers noticed them coughing, sneezing, having nasal discharge and acting lethargic. The lions received nasal swab tests, which confirmed that they tested positive for the virus, according to a Monday news release from the zoo.

Animal care staff and veterinarians describe the lions’ symptoms as relatively mild so far, and they are keeping a close eye on the lions and treating them individually as needed, the release said.

Other big cats at zoos throughout the country, including two tigers at the Denver Zoo, have previously come down with COVID-19, according to Brian Aucone, senior vice president for life sciences at the zoo.

“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.”

The 11 lions at the Denver Zoo range from 1 to 9 years old, the news release said. Veterinarians plan to vaccinate the lions, as well as the two tigers who also have the virus, once more doses of the animal-specific COVID vaccine Zoetis become available, the release said.

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