After Testing Positive For COVID-19, National Zoo Lions And Tigers 'Improving and Eating'

WASHINGTON, DC — The lions and tigers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., that tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks ago are showing signs of improvement, the zoo said Friday.

Six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. All of the lions and tigers, including three lions that were still showing signs of the disease last Friday, “are improving and eating,” the zoo said.

The six lions and two tigers are being treated for presumptive secondary bacterial pneumonia. Individual cats are being treated for discomfort and nausea as needed.

Fecal samples are tested weekly to determine when the cats cease shedding the virus, which may take more than 30 days from the time the zookeepers first noticed the cats’ symptoms. As of Sept. 30, follow-up fecal samples from two tigers and one lion have tested negative for the coronavirus, the zoo said.

The animals' conditions do not require them to remain inside. Zoo staff members are continuing to manage the cats’ access to their outdoor habitats. 

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Animal keepers first observed decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy in several lions and tigers Sept. 11 and 12. Fecal samples for all great cats tested presumptive positive the week of Sept. 13, and final results are still pending.

A presumptive positive result means initial lab test results confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Positive COVID-19 virus results are referred to as presumptive positive until a national laboratory validates the initial lab results.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized the use of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine made specifically for zoo animals by Zoetis.

The first round of COVID-19 vaccine disbursement will be administered to animals identified as a susceptible species at both the National Zoo in D.C. and the Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia when it becomes available in the coming months, the zoo said.