Two lionesses of the Arinagar Anna Zoological Park in Tamil Nadu have tested positive for COVID-19, while a lion was found to have contracted distemper virus, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly said on Thursday.
IMAGE: Lions at the famous Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, in Chennai. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo
Seven samples had been sent to the city-based institute from the zoo for testing.
"Of the samples of seven animals (four tigers and three lions) from the Tamil Nadu zoo, one lioness tested positive for SARS CoV-2 and distemper virus, one lioness for SARS CoV-2, and one lion tested positive for distemper virus," IVRI Joint Director K P Singh said.
All four tigers have tested negative for both the viruses, he said.
A report is being sent to the zoo authorities in Tamil Nadu, Singh added.
