Veterinarians and zookeepers are vaccinating several animals at the Phoenix Zoo against COVID-19.
"We were able to get 160 doses of the vaccine, which covers everything that I that I'd hoped to vaccinate," said Dr. Gary West, vice president of animal health and living collections at the zoo.
Animal health company Zoetis developed the vaccine for minks. It has since received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state for protecting vulnerable and endangered species.
Big felines and large primates, which number among the species most susceptible to COVID-19, have already received the first of two doses.
West said certain bats, armadillos and sloths also will receive vaccinations, as will other animals, based on their susceptibility.
“I think there has been some breakthrough COVID disease in vaccinated animals as well — again, kind of like people, not as severe. They seem to recover quick, so there is some protection still. But we do feel a little bit more confident that we have this additional layer of protection against COVID,” he said.
The only negative reaction so far: some slightly lethargic lemurs.
"Which, you know, most people probably wouldn't even notice unless they're intimately involved with their care. And by 24 hours later, they were back to normal," said West.
