Prague Zoo Animals Test Positive for COVID-19
Two lions and a gorilla at Prague Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19.
The zoo has been closed because of the Czech Republic's coronavirus lockdown, so it's believed that the lions, called Jamvan and Suchi, and a gorilla named Richard caught the virus from staff.
"So far, their symptoms are very mild," said Miroslav Bobek, the zoo's director. "The lions seem to have a bit of a cough and a cold, whilst Richard has lost his appetite and is tired."
The zoo will have other animals tested for the virus, and has contacted experts at zoos that have had COVID-19 cases.
While some animals can get COVID-19, it is not thought to be as dangerous for them as it is for humans.
Research from the University of California, Davis, has found that dogs, horses and pigs may be at a low risk of getting COVID-19, while cats, cows and sheep may be at a medium risk.
However, the research found that some primates may be at a higher risk of getting the virus. These include some endangered species such as the Sumatran orangutan, the Northern white-cheeked gibbon and the Western lowland gorilla — like Richard from Prague Zoo.
A number of Western lowland gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park also tested positive for COVID-19 and are now recovering. Some of the San Diego gorillas developed mild coughs and had low energy.
