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January 11, 2021: Two gorillas at the San Diego Zoo tested positive for Covid-19 after they became ill, while a third appears to be asymptomatic.
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced at a press conference, adding that investigations are underway to understand how the infection occurred.
It is believed to be the first infections among these primates in captivity.
The park's executive director, Lisa Peterson, told The Associated Press that in the group of eight gorillas, many have symptoms, most notably coughing.
It appears that the infection stems from a member of care staff who tested positive for the virus but asymptomatic.
Vets are closely monitoring the gorillas, who will remain in the park, Peterson said.
While other wildlife has contracted the coronavirus, from minks to tigers, no gorillas are believed to have been infected in zoos across the United States and around the world.
Gorillas are given vitamins, fluids and food, but no specific treatment for the virus.
Zoo officials are working closely with experts who have treated the coronavirus in humans, in case the animals develop more severe symptoms.
"This is wildlife, they have their resilience and they can heal differently than we do," Peterson said, adding that for now the goal is to keep them "healthy and strong."