The SARS CoV-2 pandemic has changed the way all of the exotic animal industry conducts business. The information and resources on this page have been compiled to help zoos, aquariums, and managed wildlife facilities prepare for continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and address some of the most frequently asked questions. We are actively monitoring this situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Please see the CDC’s Guidance to Reduce the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Spreading between People and Widlife for additional information including considerations for wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
COVID-19 remains a primarily a human pathogen, but our knowledge base continues to evolve rapidly. For the most up to date and reliable information please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please refer to your state or local department of public health for additional information about plans and guidance for your area:
Considerations for the Management of Non-Domestic Species in Human Care During COVID-19
Recent Posts
Gorilla SARS-CoV-2 Update from San Diego Zoo Global
February 18, 2021
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Gorilla SARS-CoV-2 Update from San Diego Zoo Global
February 18, 2021
The document below was put together by San Diego Zoo Global to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding their experience with SARS-CoV-2 in their gorilla troop at the San Deigo Zoo Safari Park this past January. Summary […]
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COVID-19 Relief Update
February 6, 2021
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COVID-19 Relief Update
February 6, 2021
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released updated information on COVID-19 relief programs including the Shuttered Venue Operator (SVO) grants and the Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans. Additional information including eligibility requirements and FAQs on these programs […]
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Experimental Infection of Wildlife with SARS-CoV-2
January 26, 2021
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Experimental Infection of Wildlife with SARS-CoV-2
January 26, 2021
Several papers recently released in pre-print have shared research results indicating that several wildlife species have been experimentally infected with SARS CoV 2, the virus implicated in the current coronavirus pandemic. January 14, a paper was posted preprint, describing experimental […]
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SARS-CoV-2 Detected in Gorilla
January 12, 2021
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SARS-CoV-2 Detected in Gorilla
January 12, 2021
Gorillas in a troop housed at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Two members of the troop began coughing on January 6th, and testing of fecal samples occured at the California Animal Health and Food Safety […]
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COVID-19 Relief Package
December 28, 2020
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COVID-19 Relief Package
December 28, 2020
Congress recently passed a deal for a $900 billion COVID relief package which includes $284 billion for forgivable loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $15 billion for live venues and cultural institutions via the Save our Stages (SOS) act, […]
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SARS-CoV-2 Confirmed in Snow Leopard and Wild Mink
December 28, 2020
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SARS-CoV-2 Confirmed in Snow Leopard and Wild Mink
December 28, 2020
The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced the first confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 in a snow leopard (panthera uncia) at the Louisville Zoo. Three of the zoos snow leopards were tested for SARS-CoV-2 after showing signs of respiratory illness. All three cats are […]
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