Two tigers at Omaha zoo test positive for COVID-19

Veterinary staff gave nasal swabs to several of the cats after an 11-year-old female tiger began coughing.

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) – Two tigers at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium tested positive for COVID-19.

Veterinary staff and the Douglas County Health Department gave nasal swabs to several of the cats after an 11-year-old female tiger began coughing.

The staff knew the COVID-19 infection was likely from colleagues’ descriptions and videos of infected tigers. Nasal swabs from two Amur tigers came back positive, while the other cat’s tests came back negative.

According to a press release, the two tigers have shown minor symptoms including coughing, sneezing mild lethargy and a mild decrease in appetite.

Besides the occasional cough, the staff says the tigers’ appetites and attitudes are back to normal and they expect both tigers to fully recover.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have taken extra precautions to protect our animals from COVID-19, especially those species we know are more susceptible to the virus,” said Dr. Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

The Omaha zoo now plans to increase safety precautions by restricting access to indoor cat areas and suspending training where keepers would be within six feet of the animal.