Life goes on in Guatemala zoo closed to public during coronavirus

In mid-March, La Aurora National Zoo in Guatemala City was forced to close its doors to the public as part of the restrictions on public gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Inside, Fito, a six-month-old baby giraffe, a three-month-old bear, a two-week-old zebra, and other animals go on with their lives unawares of the pandemic in the world outside.

Rodolfo Gonzalez is an educator at the site, but due to an almost 85% reduction of the staff because of the restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, he now takes care of young Fito every Tuesday.

Baby Fito is one of the zoo's new and beloved residents and the first giraffe to be born in Guatemala's park, which was founded 96 years ago.

The 14-hectare park operates on public land but is managed by a private foundation and is accostomed to receive some 4,000 visitors per day.

The entrance fees charged accounted for 70% of the zoo's income.

Ana Luca Vsquez, the zoo's marketing manager, said they had to shift employee schedules around, and change their roles to adapt ton the restrictions, and remain able to take care of their animals.

Vasquez said Onyx, a baby jaguar received as a donation, as well as a recently-born male zebra, six small pigs, two emus, and two ostriches are the newest additions to the park who will greet visitors once it reopens to the public.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.