Covid-19 Vaccination Program Begins at Smithsonian

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 17, 2021 1:30 am

Primate keeper Erin Stromberg administers the Zoetis vaccine to 24-year-old Bornean orangutan

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have begun to receive the first doses of a Covid-19 vaccine developed specifically for animals.

This week keepers at the Washington DC zoo began to vaccinate some of the zoos primates with all seven orangutans, one gorilla, one white-eared titi monkey and two emperor tamarins receiving their shots.

Since receiving the vaccine each animal has been the subject of monitoring by keepers and no side effects have been recorded.

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Over the coming weeks animals which are believed to be susceptible to Covid-19 will continue to receive vaccinations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized the use of this SARS-COV-2 vaccine which has been specifically made for animals by Zoetis. Each of the animals will receive two doses of the vaccine.

Elsewhere in the zoo the lions and tigers who tested presumptive positive for Covid-19 in September are recovering well. Carers say they are eating and drinking well. It is anticipated they will be vaccinated no less than 90 days post infection.

Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are continuing to follow their Covid-19 protocols.

Primate keeper Erin Stromberg administers the Zoetis vaccine to 24-year-old Bornean orangutan

Video Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Learn more about Orangutans here – Orangutan Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on their website – Smithsonian’s National Zoo