LA Zoo Big Cats To Social Distance Due Coronavirus Vulnerability

LOS ANGELES, CA — Human Angelenos aren't the only ones forced into isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. After a Bronx Zoo tiger was infected with the new coronavirus, officials at the Los Angeles Zoo announced new measures to protect animals that may be susceptible to COVID-19 Monday.

Now workers will don protective equipment to try to stop the disease from spreading to the animals and certain species will be forced to practice social distancing.. The new Los Angeles Zoo protocols for caring for its cat species requires caretakers to wear gloves and masks when handling the animals and to enforce social distancing between the cat species. Much remains unknown about the coronavirus and the species of animals that can be sickened by COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. As a precaution, Zoo officials have already put social distancing measures in place for its primate, binturong and mustelid species.

"The health and safety of the zoo's animals is our top priority," according to a statement from the Los Angeles Zoo. "Our animal health experts on staff are in communication with public health officials, along with local, national and international veterinary networks, to stay up to date on animals in human care and any potential risks."

The zoo is not testing felid, primate, binturong, or mustelid species because none of them are showing any symptoms related to COVID-19, with officials noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has not recommended testing animals.

However that could change.

"Because the situation is ever-evolving, public and animal health officials may decide to test
certain animals out of an abundance of caution," zoo officials said. "The decision to test any of our animals will be made collaboratively between local, state, or federal public and animal health officials and the Zoo’s animal health experts."

City News Service and Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.