Texas’ Zoos To Vaccinate Their Animals Against COVID-19

The San Antonio Zoo, The Dallas Zoo, and The Fort Worth Zoo have announced that they will soon start administering COVID-19 vaccines on their animals.

The Dallas Zoo stated that they will inoculate their big cats and apes, they’re currently on the waitlist to receive the vaccines, alongside many other zoos in the nation.

“We are looking to initially vaccinate those species that have been shown to contract COVID-19,” said Dr. Rob Coke, director of veterinary care at the San Antonio Zoo. “Species such as our large and medium cat species, lesser apes, other primates, mongoose, mink, ferrets, and otters are all on our list to vaccinate. Others will be added to the list as vaccine availability and research progresses.”

The vaccines will be donated by the Animal health company, Zoetis. The vaccine has been authorized for experimental use on a case by case basis by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the appropriate state veterinarians. 

The African lions, Sumatran tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, and Francois langur will be the first species to get the vaccine in the San Antonio Zoo.