At a time when many of us are still hesitating to get the covid-19 vaccination, a zoo in Oakland, California is taking no chances. The zoo located in the Bay Area of San Francisco has given animal vaccinations to its ferrets, big cats, and bears. The zoo’s program falls under a nationwide effort in the US to protect animals. The vaccine is still experimental, however.
The Animal vaccinations had started at the start of July. The first animals to receive the vaccine were tigers, Molly and Ginger. The news received quite a lot of attention, seeing how many humans were still on the fence about their vaccination. The animal vaccinations were developed and donated by Zoetis, a New Jersey-based company that makes veterinary pharmaceuticals.
Alex Herman is the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary services vice-president. He said that none of their animals had contracted the disease so far. However, the zoo authorities wanted to act before something like that could happen.
The Animal Vaccinations Are Mostly Similar
The animal vaccinations will also be carried through two doses. The first ones to get the first dose were ferrets, mountain lions, grizzly and black bears, and tigers. Next were the pigs and the primates.
In a statement to the press, Alex reported that social distancing barriers were being used in the zoo. Protective gear was also being worn by the staff to protect those species which are particularly susceptible. She added that the staff is now relieved and happy that the animal vaccinations will let them protect the animals better.
Over 11,000 doses have been donated by Zoetis to animals of almost 70 zoos. Over a dozen government organizations, academic institutions, sanctuaries, and conservatories across 27 states are included in the list.
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The Zoo of San Diego had begun giving the animal vaccinations to their primates, way back at the beginning of the year. They acted promptly after a gorilla troop witnessed a breakout of Covid-19 at the zoo’s Safari Park.
Great apes and humans share 98% of DNA. As a result, they are particularly susceptible, similar to felines. There have already been several reports of them contracting the disease.
