San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Safari Park News 2021

Two gorillas have tested positive for COVID-19:

Gorillas at San Diego Zoo test positive for COVID-19 | WCBD News 2

Two gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for COVID-19 — the first known instance of the virus being naturally transmitted to great apes.

The gorillas underwent testing for COVID-19 after they started coughing Wednesday, and results from the preliminary test came back positive on Friday.

It is believed the gorillas caught the infection from an asymptomatic staff member despite the employee following precautions and wearing PPE when near the primates, the organization said.

 

Does anyone know which of their troop members caught it?

also it seems as though the park confirmed it was multiple gorillas that have caught the coronavirus

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Update: one of the gorillas that caught the coronavirus was Winston the parks silverback and a third gorilla is symptomatic

San Diego Zoo confirms two Gorillas have contracted COVID-19 -

Several gorillas at San Diego Zoo test positive for COVID-19: officials

 

This is why it’s so important to practice proper protocol and unfortunately these things can happen... I work in a veterinary clinic with rescue animals and we need to do all we can is make sure our PPE is on at all times with the exception of solo lunch breaks. I feel for the staff at the Safari Park and the staff member must feel gutted to feel that they had gotten their gorillas sick. It’s one of my favorite places in the world and this virus is something to not be taken lightly. We risk not only humans getting sick, but animals in the wild or in captive populations can be pushed closer to extinction. Everyone be safe and practice social distancing!

 

Articles are now claiming eight of the gorillas have the virus:

Gorillas at US zoo test positive for coronavirus after contact with staff

The good news is that aside from coughing and congestion, the gorillas seem to be doing well. The zoo has stated they’ll remain together, as separating them would be disruptive to the troop dynamics.

 

Unfortunate news. All 8 of the San Diego zoo safari parks gorillas have now tested positive for the coronavirus. I’m truly scared you guys. This is seriously not good news at all

San Diego gorillas have COVID-19, marking first cases for primates

 

At this time, we can only hope the whole troop have mild symptoms which is best case scenario. They can do supportive care as the article mentioned fluids, vitamins, and feedings. Perhaps for the more worse patients, they will nebulize to help break up any mucus discharge in their respiratory system and check their O2 levels at least 2-4 times daily if need be.

 

Ok so the San Diego zoo Safari park announced today that their rhinos, future, Edward, and Arthur all met each other for the first time.

i do not recognize any of the parks rhinos having that name Arthur. Was he one of the rhino calves that have been born at the park within the last couple years? Did he come to the park from another zoo? Here’s the video down below

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Arthur was born at the park this past summer. He developed an infection and was separated from his mother to be hand-reared. When he recovered, he was placed with Livia who served as a surrogate mother. I do not know who his mother is.

 

Got an e-mail today from the President of San Diego Zoo Global (as all members should have as well) that the gorillas are looking well on their way to a full recovery.

Here is the email text (minus the parts that are things that involve my name and stuff):

"Over the past two weeks, we have been humbled by the outpouring of support for our gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Today I am happy to share with you that the troop is eating, drinking, interacting, and on their way to a full recovery from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.

Their recovery is due in no small part to your ongoing support, as well as the incredible work of our wildlife care professionals, veterinary team, and collaborations with a wide array of colleagues and partners who ensured the highest standard of care was given to the affected gorillas.

Just as they have done over the last ten months, San Diego Zoo Global team members continue to go above and beyond all recommended biosecurity precautions to keep wildlife safe and healthy. And, we have joined forces with many local and national leaders in the medical, scientific, zoological, and public health communities. In addition to providing the best care possible for our gorilla troop, this ongoing teamwork could contribute to a deeper understanding of the impacts of this virus on animals and people worldwide.

Winston, the troop’s silverback, was experiencing symptoms including a cough and lethargy. Because of his advanced age and a concern for underlying medical conditions, he underwent a diagnostic examination under anesthesia. Our veterinarians confirmed that he had pneumonia and heart disease and, in consultation with specialists, began treatment including heart medications, antibiotics, and monoclonal antibody therapy. The monoclonal antibody therapy originated from a supply that was not permitted for human use. Treatment with these synthetic versions of the body’s natural defenses is thought to be effective in diminishing effects from the virus. Indeed, the veterinary team who treated Winston believe the antibodies may have contributed to his ability to overcome the virus.

Veterinarians regularly vaccinate wildlife, both in human care and native habitats, against a range of diseases. Our network of collaborators have provided our veterinarians with a limited amount of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that originated from a supply strictly intended for nonhuman use. Our diligent teams have already begun identifying animal candidates for vaccination at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

We are sharing information and knowledge from this experience with wildlife care professionals at over 200 zoos worldwide. And as always, we will continue to develop long-term plans to keep wildlife safe around the world and be a resource for conservation organizations globally as we all work together to protect wildlife and people."

 

The Zoo and Safari Park are reopening up again, this is the email just received:

We cannot wait to welcome you back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park! Following our second closure, we are tentatively preparing to reopen this Saturday, January 30, pending any restrictions brought forth from the County later today.

Your membership has been automatically extended for the length of our closure. No action is required on your part to complete this process.

Please note that due to COVID-19 guidelines, all members will be required to make a reservation before visiting. Please visit SanDiegoZoo.org/Reservations or SDZSafariPark.org/Reservations to make your reservation and learn more.

To prepare for your visit, and for more information on safety protocols in place, please visit SanDiegoZoo.org/Reopen.

As a member, you care for the wildlife at the Zoo and Safari Park and save endangered species worldwide. Thank you for all you do. We can’t wait to see you on your next visit!

 

Handraised Southern white rhinoceros calf reintroduced to the herd:

Southern White Rhino Calf Being Hand Raised At San Diego Zoo Safari Park Meets New "Friends"

Arthur, a 5-month-old southern white rhino calf at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, made some new friends (Jan. 15, 2021) when he met Edward, an 18-month-old male southern white rhino calf; Future, a 14-month-old year old female southern white rhino calf; and their mothers, Victoria and Amani.

Arthur, who resides at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center, had previously been introduced to Livia, Nikita, Helene and Wallis — four of the six adult females at the Rhino Rescue Center. Livia and Nikita immediately took a keen interest in the calf, showing strong maternal instincts, being very nurturing and protective of the youngster. Arthur has formed a strong bond with the four adults. Arthur had seen Edward, Future and their mothers, but this meeting was the first day that all nine rhinos physically shared the same space.

Arthur was born on Aug. 2, 2021 to mother Kiazi, in the Safari Park's African Savanna habitat. Kiazi is an experienced mother with a history of strong maternal care; but due to some complications from the birth, it was determined she could not provide proper care for her calf, and the decision was made to intervene for his safety and well-being.

 

@Zoofan15 how could he be born on August 2nd, 2021 when it’s only the 31st of January, 2021?

 

I don’t write the news, I just report it!

Seriously though, it must be a typo. Most of us did the opposite for the first two weeks of this year - writing 2020 still, instead of 2021.

 

SDZSP FB page builds the tension around big announcement in 6 day. Any suggestions, what that could be?

 

I’ve been seeing those announcements for the last couple days on Twitter and perhaps the announcement could have something to do with the Children’s Zoo since it’s still slated for a 2021 opening. I am very hyped to see what they announce and it’s always on the back of my mind since I’ve seen the postings!

 

Either the plan for the new renovated African Elephant exhibit or the Asian field exhibits being opened up to the public again?

 

I'm very glad someone brought this up. The first two images were of a Jaguar and Elephant and both the zoo and safari park posted something about those animals those days. Now today was a platypus and both the zoo and safari park posted about Australian wildlife (the zoo showed off koalas not platypuses, platypi?). Also while both accounts posted different photos they had the same captions about the areas the species were from. So I would guess not a new exhibit, not the children's zoo because those aren't geographical they're ecological. Could be a new outreach program as all the captions have to do with working with locals to help the environment.

 

I "attended" a webinar for donors hosted by San Diego Zoo Global on February 24, 2021. The big news is that the organization is changing its name again, to "San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance", effective March 3, 2021. A new logo for the organization will be a circular one with an African lion at the center and a Southern white rhinoceros and California condor on each side. This change was inspired by a new approach to their in situ conservation programs, which will now be organized into 8 regional hubs consisting of multiple species programs and alliances in each hub (examples of hubs are 'Southwest' and 'Oceans' and 'Australian Forest').

There was also an update on Elephant Valley redesign. It is still in design phase and its outcome will depend on the amount of success in fundraising. Also mentioned was that there will be a new lodge next to the habitat, but it was not clarified whether it would be a restaurant or special events space or simply a viewing shelter.

 

Home page This is the new website I received from the email announcing the new change