Tiger at Bronx Zoo in New York tests positive for COVID-19

A four-year-old female Malayan tiger – named Nadia – at the Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. It is believed to be the first known case of an animal infected by a human with the virus.

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, six other large cats are also showing symptoms. The test was conducted in Iowa by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

The officials further said that the tiger was tested positive after developing symptoms, including dry cough.  

The female tiger, along with six other big cats, is thought to have been infected by an asymptomatic zookeeper, the zoo said.

In this regard, Paul Calle, the chief veterinarian at the zoo said, “This is the first time that any of us know of anywhere in the world that a person infected the animal and the animal got sick.”

The zoo also confirmed that Nadia, her sister Azul, as well as two Amur tigers and three African lions who showed symptoms, are all expected to make a full recovery.

All four zoos run by the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, including the Bronx Zoo, have been closed to the public since 16 March. New measures will now be put in place to protect the animals and their caretakers at all the facilities.