Four Asiatic lions at a Singapore zoo have tested positive for COVID-19 after coming in contact with infected staff, according to a news report. “All the lions remain bright, alert and are eating well,” the Channel News Asia report quoted Dr Sonja Luz, vice president of conservation, research and veterinary at Mandai Wildlife Group, the zoo operator, as saying.
Meanwhile, the country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers. With this, the total number of cases in the country has increased to 2,24,200. The Ministry of Health reported 12 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications that pushed the death count to 523.
According to the CNA report, the four Asiatic lions tested positive at the Night Safari, a popular tourist attraction. The lions had exhibited mild symptoms including coughing, sneezing and lethargy on Saturday.
“This was upon exposure to staff from the Mandai Wildlife Group who tested positive for COVID-19,” the report quoted the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) as saying.
The AVS has asked the Mandai Wildlife Group to isolate all nine Asiatic lions and five African lions in their respective dens. The AVS used PCR tests to diagnose the four Asiatic lions.
