San Diego Zoo Gorilla Gets COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Last week, three out of eight gorillas in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park had tested positive for COVID-19. According to the previous report of Science Times, it is the world's first non-human primates that are confirmed cases of the virus.

Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California, said that the infected gorillas are expected to recover soon and that caretakers are monitoring all the gorillas closely.

She added that a supply of COVID-19 vaccines that is not permitted for use in humans would be given to a few apes, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. "The hope is that we would be able to vaccinate wildlife that would be susceptible to illness and then prevent them from ever catching it," Peterson said.

One of the gorillas who received the vaccine is the pack's leader, the 48-year-old silverback gorilla named Winston.

Winston Receives COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Winston underwent monoclonal antibody therapy after contracting COVID-19 last week. According to NPR, Winston and two other troop members tested positive for coronavirus after the zoo staff noticed mild coughing symptoms.

The veterinary staff is concerned about Winston's health because of his age and underlying medical conditions. After performing a diagnostic examination on him, the veterinary team found that he has pneumonia and heart disease, according to a zoo management statement.

The zoo staff consulted experts before administering heart medication, antibiotics, and monoclonal antibody therapy to Winston. The zoo's statement said that that the team who treated Winston believe the antibodies may have contributed to the gorilla's ability to overcome the virus, for the treatment helped mimic the ape's natural defenses in fighting the virus.

Moreover, the zoo staff was also provided with a limited supply of a "recombinant purified spike protein vaccine" to protect the animals from the virus. But it is also not intended for human use. According to the report, the staff will identify the animals who will be vaccinated at the Safari Park and in San Diego Zoo.

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San Diego Zoo Gorillas Recovering from COVID-19

As of now, the eight gorillas in the troop are doing well and recovering from COVID-19. They are healthily eating, drinking, and socially interacting their way towards recovery.

The zoo continues to work with wildlife care specialists, public health experts, and scientific leaders to monitor the eight gorillas. They believe that the animals will fully develop with a team effort.

San Diego Zoo has passed their gathered data on the eight gorillas to over 200 zoos worldwide to help additional wildlife. The management said that they might provide important information regarding the scientific understanding of the virus and its effects on the great apes as they continue to share what they have learned so far.