Some primates at the San Diego Zoo received an experimental COVID-19 vaccine, including several orangutans and bonobos. An orangutan named Karen, who received open heart surgery in 1994, was one of the first to receive the vaccine. The San Diego Zoo is also home to eight gorillas who tested positive for the virus, prompting concern from conservationists since they are endangered. Other animals who have tested positive include dogs, cats, tigers, lions, and minks and many others.

The vaccine was developed by Zoetis, who initially developed the vaccine for dogs and cats after first non-human infections were recorded in Hong Kong last year. The company expects to have enough vaccines for other zoos by June.

 

Image Credit: San Diego Zoo