Related
Earlier in the pandemic, those caring for the primates at the Philadelphia Zoo started practicing social distancing and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
After the tiger in New York was diagnosed with COVID-19, Philly zoo cat keepers, who were also practicing social distancing before the New York Zoo case, added PPE to the mix as well.
Andy Baker, the Philadelphia Zoo's chief operating officer, said the safety precautions are being used for all groups of animals that are vulnerable to COVID-19.
"All of our primates, our bats, all of our carnivores and our red river hog, which is the one member of the swine group that may also be in the vulnerable category," he listed.
Baker also said positive reinforcement practices to advance husbandry practices have been stopped for now amid the COVID-19 crisis.
"So whether that's a big cat allowing a voluntary vaccination or it's a gorilla allowing an examination of its teeth or gums, we have step back on all of that work that does require close proximity," he explained.
The zoo has created a "Spring Back Fund" to help with operating costs while it remains closed to visitors. Donations are accepted at the zoo's website.