Phoenix Zoo Vaccinating Animals Against COVID-19

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The Phoenix Zoo is one step closer to protecting other creatures from COVID-19. The zoo now working to vaccinate some of its animals against the virus, administering an experimental vaccine to protect endangered species.

Some of the zoo’s most susceptible animals have already received one of two doses of the Zoetis SARA-CoV-2 vaccine, including the big cats, some of the primates, and more. They’re also vaccinating animals like their Egyptian fruit bats, armadillos, sloths, and more.

The Phoenix Zoo is one step closer to protecting other creatures from COVID-19. The zoo now working to vaccinate some of its animals against the virus, administering an experimental vaccine to protect endangered species.

Some of the zoo’s most susceptible animals have already received one of two doses of the Zoetis SARA-CoV-2 vaccine, including the big cats, some of the primates, and more. They’re also vaccinating animals like their Egyptian fruit bats, armadillos, sloths, and more.

“This vaccine is an antigen or part of a virus that is inactivated. It stimulates your immune system to make antibodies against a portion of a surface protein of the virus to protect the animal,” West said.

Along with tigers, the other big cats, primates, certain bats, armadillos, and sloths at the zoo are vaccinated.

“There’s been a lot of cases that are popping up in large cats in zoos and even great apes, so this is another opportunity to sort of protecting those animals,” West concludes.

Dr. West states that only two animals have had mild side effects.

The zoo will give out second doses in three weeks.