Great Apes Vaccinated Against COVID-19: First Non-Human Vaccinations

San Diego Zoo Vaccinated Nine Great Apes Against COVID-19

GREAT APES – The San Diego Zoo had four orangutans and five bonobos vaccinated against COVID-19.

A year into the coronavirus pandemic, the world now has access to vaccines. However, this doesn’t just extend to humans.

Recently, the first instance of non-human vaccinations occurred. Karen, one of the recipients, is a 28-year-old Sumatran Orangutan. She became famous back in 1994 as the first ape to undergo open-heart surgery.

Great Apes Vaccinated Against COVID-19: First Non-Human Vaccinations

Meanwhile, each of the nine apes got two doses of an experimental coronavirus vaccine. Previously, the vaccine was developed for cats and dogs. Luckily, the apes showed no adverse reactions to the vaccines.

According to an article from Inquirer, San Diego Zoo spokeswoman Darla Davis said that the apes are doing well. Previously, zoo officials were concerned after eight gorillas at the zoo went ill and tested positive for the virus.

Fortunately, all the gorillas are on their way to a full recovery. Davis said that Winston, a 48-year-old male silverback gorilla was treated with several medications such as a coroanvirus antibody made for non-humans.

However, the gorillas were not inoculated as the zoo’s veterinarian believed their immune systems already developed antibodies. Meanwhile, the Orangutans and Bonobos were chosen as they were the most at risk of contracting the virus.

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