At Least the Detroit Zoo Gorillas, Chimps, Tigers and Lions Have Covid Shots

Detroit Zoo gorilla (Photo: Detroit Zoological Society)

If only we could only say this about all humans.

The Detroit Zoo announced this week that all animals susceptible to Covid-19 are protected with a vaccine developed for animals by the veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis. 

Gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers and lions are among those who got their shots. In all, more than 50 animals were vaccinated.

To date, no Zoo animals have contracted Covid.

In August, the zoo said it began vaccinating the animals, saying at the time:

"Several lions, tigers, leopards and gorillas have contracted COVID-19 in other U.S. zoos. In European and Indian zoos, a tiger and a lion have died from the virus. To date, no COVID-19 infections have been found in animals at the Detroit Zoo but countless safety measures have been taken, including full PPE for staff as well as public barriers to ensure social distancing."

The New Jersey-based vaccine maker has a research and development team working in Kalamazoo.