Florida: Gorilla from Miami Zoo tests negative for COVID-19

A 31-year gorilla, injured in a confrontation, has been immobilized and transported to Zoo Miami animal hospital.  In addition to treatment, COVID-19 test was also administered on animal owing to his bad health. However, giant animal has tested negative and is recovering. 

'X-rays, vaccinations, COVID tests..'

As per a Facebook post by Zoo Miami, physical injuries were inflicted upon Shango by his 26-year-old bror, Barney. Soon, animal was taken to a hospital where he received X-rays, vaccinations, an ultrasound, a TB test and a bronchoscopy as part of zoo’s overall preventative medicine program. “In addition, because of detection of a low-grade fever and in an abundance of caution, COVID-19 tests were also administered. Thankfully, results of those tests were negative”, zoo wrote.

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As per experts, conflicts between adult male gorillas are t uncommon but real injury is rare. As per post, “Once 433-pound great ape was safely immobilized, Animal Health team was able to clean and treat bite wounds which were quite deep but fortunately did t appear to result in any permanent dam”.

zoo reported that ne of tests reported any skeletal dams and gorilla is recovering well. Since being discharged from hospital, he has been sent to gorilla area where he will be closely monitored by staff. As of w, decision has been made to reintroduce him to Barney as it would depend on his health as well as several behavioural assessments.

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