Two gorillas at a California zoo have tested positive for COVID-19 in what is believed to be the first known cases of the virus among large monkeys, officials said Monday.
San Diego’s Safari Zoo said gorillas began coughing Wednesday, prompting officials to test their feces, which tested positive for coronavirus.
“Apart from congestion and coughing, gorillas are doing well,” zoo director Lisa Peterson said in a statement.
“The band stays in quarantine together and eats and drinks,” Peterson said. “We hope for a full recovery.”
Officials believe the primates caught the virus from an asymptomatic staff member, “despite compliance with all recommended precautions,” the zoo said in a press release.
“This is the first known case of natural transmission to large monkeys and it is not known if they will have a serious reaction,” the statement said.
In an update on the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said a third gorilla is also showing symptoms of the disease.
“We are currently confirming the source of the infection and the strain,” Newsom said.
“There is a question of whether it came from man to animal. That is decided … “, he added.
The virus has also been found in cats, dogs, a lion and a tiger, as well as in mink, which officials say seems to be the most sensitive animal to date.