Eight asiatic lions found infected with Covid-19 in Hyderabad zoo

Eight Asiatic lions in Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for coronavirus. All the eight lions have responded well to the treatment and are recovering well, a statement by the environment ministry said. 

Swabs from the nose, throat and respiratory tract were taken from the lions under anaesthesia with abundant caution after they showed signs of respiratory distress.  

An analysis of the sample showed that the infection was not caused by any variant of concern. The zoo has been closed to visitors to avoid minimal external contact and preventive measures put in place for all zoo staff. 

Based on experience with zoo