FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Two tigers at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19, zoo officials have announced.
Zoo officials say animal care staff on Feb. 1 first saw mild symptoms consistent with the virus that causes COVID-19 in one Sumatran tiger.
Fecal samples for the tigers, Bugara and Indah, were collected for testing and came back positive with the virus. Staff veterinarian Dr. Kami Fox says the male tiger has been experiencing a dry cough, while the female has not shown symptoms.
“Both tigers are being watched for any additional clinical signs and remain together in their enclosure,” zoo officials said in a statement issued Saturday.
The source of infection is not yet known and zoo staff are working with the Allen County Department of Health and the State Board of Animal Health to identify potential sources, according to officials. Access to the tigers has been restricted staff will follow safety protocols recommended by the CDC and Indiana Department of Health.