Kaya 959 News Reporter
Reports that animals at the Joburg Zoo contracted COVID-19 from zoo workers are false.
The Joburg Zoo released a statement in which it confirmed that articles published claiming that the Zoo’s lions and pumas have contracted COVID-19 from handlers are proven false.
These articles specifically state that research was conducted by scientists at the University of Pretoria.
The results of their findings were that two pumas and three lions fell ill from the virus.
These claims are denied by the Joburg Zoo veterinary team.
Dr. Arnold Kanengoni who leads the team verified that none of the cats have been infected by the COVID-19 virus and that they remained COVID-free since the start of the pandemic.
He also adds that none of the primates or other carnivores have been infected by the virus.
The zoo practices strict precautionary measures before, during, and after handling the animals and their enclosures.
These precautionary measures include:
Daily staff routine checks:
- All staff are screened by security personnel on arrival in the mornings for possible signs and/or symptoms of the virus.
- Staff members visit the clinic situated in the zoo for further screening by nurses.
- Any staff member with COVID symptoms is immediately sent home.
- It is compulsory for all staff to wear masks, sanitize regularly and wash hands frequently.
- Sanitizer dispensers are provided throughout the zoo.
- Staff members are encouraged to vaccinate
Daily animal routine checks:
- Zoo animals are observed daily by their keepers and attendants for any unusual symptoms and behavioral changes that may indicate that they are not well.
- If any animal displays suspicious signs, these are immediately reported to the veterinarians for further investigation.
- Hospital staff continue to do the annual health checks on all the animals in the zoo, i.e, radiographs, blood sampling and testing, etc.
- Hospital staff vaccinate animals against other diseases to which the various groups of animals are susceptible.
“The dedication and compassion of zoo staff, for the welfare, care and treatment of all our animals at the Joburg Zoo is our number one priority. During the pandemic, we ensured that every precautionary measure was taken and we continue to do so,” stated Dr Kanengoni.
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