In a surprising turn of events, a snow leopard at the San Diego Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19. Ramil, a nine-year-old male snow leopard, raised concerns among his caretakers when he exhibited symptoms such as coughing and nasal discharge on July 22. Following two tests of his stool, the zoo confirmed the presence of the virus the next day.
Fortunately, Ramil and his companions—a female snow leopard and two Amur leopards—are currently doing well. Ramil’s condition has not deteriorated, and the other three animals are safe in quarantine. The exhibit has been temporarily closed to ensure Ramil’s recovery and to keep the other animals isolated from the rest of the zoo.
The San Diego Zoo is perplexed about how Ramil contracted the virus, especially since staff members adhere to strict safety measures, including wearing masks and using sanitation protocols. However, vaccination is not mandatory for zoo employees.
Ramil is not the first animal at the zoo to contract COVID-19. In January, eight gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive after exposure to an asymptomatic zookeeper. This incident, along with Ramil’s case, has prompted the zoo to request experimental COVID-19 vaccinations for animals at higher risk, such as big cats and primates.
While the affected animals have made full recoveries, the long-term effects of COVID-19 remain unknown. Some individuals who have contracted the virus have reported lasting issues like elevated heart rates and chronic respiratory problems—conditions often referred to as “Long COVID” or Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). This syndrome can impact various organs and manifests in a wide range of symptoms, with lasting effects not always directly linked to the initial infection.
Vaccination is an important step to protect both humans and pets from the virus. Dr. Anthony Roberts reassured kids at a recent town hall that they can safely hug their pets without fear of transmitting the virus to them.
In the meantime, it’s essential to wear masks in public settings, whether interacting with wildlife or not. Just like Ramil, those around you can catch COVID-19 from unvaccinated individuals, even if they show no symptoms. Let’s prioritize safety for all, both people and animals alike.
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Summary
A snow leopard at the San Diego Zoo, named Ramil, tested positive for COVID-19, raising concern among caretakers after he showed symptoms. Thankfully, he and his fellow animals are doing well as they recover in quarantine. The zoo is investigating how the virus was contracted and has previously experienced similar cases with gorillas. Long-term effects of COVID-19 remain uncertain for both animals and humans.
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