Atlanta: Coronavirus attacks apes - 4th October 2021

A zoo in Atlanta, the US has a problem. 13 gorillas are suffering from Covid-19.

It's believed that the animals caught the virus from one of the zookeepers, who had no symptoms. She'd also worn protective clothing when at work. But staff realised something was wrong when the gorillas began showing symptoms. They were coughing, had runny noses, and had lost their appetite. After doing some tests, the zoo announced that the animals had the virus.

The zoo's website explained that staff were taking care of the creatures and were well prepared. One of the sick gorillas is Ozzie, a male gorilla aged 60, who is definitely more at risk.

Zoo Atlanta's gorillas live close together in four groups, so separating them is difficult. In February, eight gorillas at San Diego Zoo also fell ill with coronavirus. Fortunately, even Winston, who is a 49- year-old male, recovered completely.

But once they recover, the Atlanta gorillas will be given the Zoetis coronavirus vaccine by veterinarians. As well as the gorillas, the Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, African lions and the clouded leopard will also be vaccinated. The zoo is keen to protect its precious animals from unnecessary risks.