The Oakland Zoo has become the first in the country to start vaccinating its animals against COVID-19 using a new experimental shot specifically designed for animals.
The zoo received its first doses on June 29 and has already started vaccinating its highest at risk animals - tigers, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions and ferrets.
Next in line to be vaccinated are primates, including chimpanzees, fruit bats, and pigs.
The vaccines came from a donation from animal health company Zoetis which has contributed more than 11,000 doses of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine to nearly 70 zoos, as well as more than a dozen conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organizations located in 27 states.
“Up until now, we have been using public barriers at certain habitats to ensure social distancing, along with enhanced PPE worn by staff to protect our susceptible species from COVID-19,” Dr. Alex Herman, VP of Veterinary Services at Oakland Zoo said in a press release. “We’re happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine, and are very thankful to Zoetis for not only creating it, but for donating it to us and dozens of other AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)-accredited zoos across the U.S.”
The vaccine has been authorized for experimental use on a case by case basis by the Department of Agriculture. Zoenis uniquely formulated the shot for animal species.
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