SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is administering a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Zoetis to 21 of their more than 700 animals. In the 21 animals primates, camels, and large cats are included as they are the most susceptible animals and or have a lot of contact with visitors, according to Zoo Director Ted Fox.
“One of the scariest things about this,” Fox said. “Is like many diseases especially viruses when it gets into another animal it can change, mutate. ”
Visitors at the zoo aren’t required to wear masks outside anymore, but this allows for transmission of the virus to these animals. Fox recommends all visitors wear masks, but guidelines only state indoors.
This vaccine Fox said is ”just like the human vaccine. 2-3 weeks later there is a second one and that’s been a challenge for animal care staff because they have to regain the trust of the animal to do it again.”
The COVID-19 virus is still said to have come from an animal population and it could be very possible for the virus to be retransmitted back to people.
Fox said they aren’t taking any risks when it comes to the safety of their animals, staff, and visitors. He said hopefully this covid vaccine is a win,” to ensure all of these.
The Zoo is still waiting to hear if they will need to give their animals a booster shot in the future, but Fox said he just wants to get as many animals vaccinated as possible to stop the possible spread of mutated variants.
