Lowland Gorilla, Miami Zoo

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Lowland Gorilla, Miami Zoo

Photo by: irvingnsaperstein

irvingnsaperstein

Zoo Miami Tests Gorilla for COVID

By: Leah Weber

Zoo Miami is taking every precaution to protect its gorilla population from COVID-19.

July 13, 2020

Shango, a 31-year-old, 433-pound male gorilla got in a fight with his 26-year-old brother, Barney, which resulted in some bite marks that needed medical attention.

Before the medical procedure to address his wounds, Shango had a full work-up that included vaccines, x-rays, a TB test, and the very timely COVID-19 test. Animals all over the world have tested positive for COVID-19, so Zoo Miami did the right thing in making sure that Shango is healthy. Luckily, he tested negative!

As we continue to fight this virus in the human world, the animal kingdom needs to stay safe as well. We thank all veterinary and zoo professionals for staying diligent and protecting animals like Shango! We hope that he and Barney work out their issues.

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