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San Diego Zoo reports gorillas test positive for SARS-CoV-2

  Members of the Gorilla Troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for coronavirus and were quarantined, in the first known case of Covid-19 transmission in these mammalian animals, it was reported. On January 8, gorillas were found to have been infected with the coronavirus and the United States Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the positive result on January 11. “Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery.” It is suspected the gorillas acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member, despite following all recommended precautions including COVID-19 safety protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and San Diego County Public Health as well as wearing PPE when near the gorillas. Research studies have verified th