Several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, California have tested positive for the coronavirus in what are believed to be the first known cases among such primates in the United States and possibly the world.
The test was conducted using faecal samples after great apes began coughing.
The park’s executive director, Lisa Peterson, told The Associated Press news agency on Monday that eight gorillas that live together at the park are believed to have the virus and several have been coughing.
The zoo management, on Monday, said they are quarantine together.
“Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well,” said Lisa Peterson, the executive director.
The animals are believed to have contracted the disease from an asymptomatic employee.
The zoon has been closed to visitors since December.
