Several of the lions and tigers displayed symptoms last weekend, including decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy, the release said.
Fecal samples from the lions and tigers were tested and came back with presumptive positive results. Final results are expected in the next few days, the zoo said.
The zoo will remain open and the lions and tigers will be able to go outside in their outdoor habitats.
“Given the substantial distance between the animals and visitors, the public is not at risk,” the statement said.
The zoo said no other animals have shown signs of infection.
“The Zoo has conducted a thorough investigation of all staff that were in close proximity to the lions and tigers. There is no evidence to pinpoint the source of the infection,” the statement said. “While it is possible the infection was transmitted by an asymptomatic carrier, it has been standard practice for all animal care staff and essential staff to mask indoors in all public and non-public areas.”
The US Department of Agriculture has authorized a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for zoo animals, and the National Zoo said it would administer it to susceptible animals once it becomes available.
Zoo Atlanta says it has vaccinated its orangutans, lions, tigers, and clouded leopard.
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