4 more tigers, 3 lions test positive for coronavirus

Weeks after a four-year-old female tiger in the Bronx Zoo, which has been closed since March 16, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, it has now been reported that four more tigers and three African lions have tested positive for the virus apparently after coming in contact with one of the infected staff.

Three tigers and three lions had exhibited coughing symptoms and were tested by using a fecal sample test developed by the zoo’s laboratory partners that did not require the animals to be placed under anesthesia. All of them eventually tested positive for the virus, along with another tiger that was asymptomatic. In a statement released on April 22, the Bronx Zoo reportedly said, “We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the New York State Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University and the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where the initial COVID-19 testing of samples was performed and the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory where confirmatory testing was conducted.”

The statement further added, “We tested the tigers and lions out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus. All eight cats continue to do well. They are behaving normally, eating well, and their coughing is greatly reduced.”