Atlanta gorillas catch Covid

Zoo gorillas get Covid-19 - 4th October 2021

13 gorillas have caught Covid-19 at a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

One of the zookeepers probably gave the virus to the animals. She had no symptoms so she didn't realise she was ill. She was also wearing special clothes to keep the animals safe.

The staff at the zoo noticed the gorillas were ill. They were coughing and had a runny nose. They were also less hungry than usual. The zoo did some tests, which showed the animals had Covid-19.

On the zoo website, it said staff were looking after the sick animals. One of the animals is Ozzie, who is a 60-year-old male gorilla. Staff worry about him because he is in more danger than others.

Gorillas live together in groups, so it's impossible to separate them. Early this year, eight gorillas from San Diego Zoo also caught Covid-19. The group included 49-year-old Winston, but he recovered.

When they are well, these gorillas will receive the Zoetis coronavirus vaccine. This is a special animal vaccine. Zoo Atlanta will also give it to the orangutans, tigers and lions. The zoo hopes to keep their animals out of danger.