First Animal at St Louis Zoo Vaccinated Against Covid-19

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 1, 2021 3:12 am

Chimpanzee Covid-19 Vaccine Saint Louis Zoo

Jimiyu the chimpanzee was the first animal at Saint Louis Zoo to be vaccinated against Covid-19

Photo Credit: JoEllen Toler

Saint Louis Zoo have announced that their first animal has been vaccinated against Covid-19. Jimiyu, a male chimpanzee was given his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine specifically produced for animals by Zoetis. It has been approved for use on animals on a case-by-case basis.

Jimiyu was given his first vaccine does on September 29th 2021 as part of a scheduled veterinary exam. During the exam he was given a cardiac and dental check-up. This was undertaken under anesthesia at the Endangered Species Research and Veterinary Hospital at the Zoo.

Since his procedure he has recovered well at the Jungle of the Apes habitat with no adverse side effect recorded. Jimiyu continues to be monitored by his care team.

The bat eared foxes will be among the first animals to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at Saint Louis Zoo

Photo Credit: Robin Winkelman/Saint Louis Zoo

This vaccination marks the first animal to receive the vaccine at Saint Louis Zoo. Plans are in place for over 100 primates, big cats, otters, painted dogs and bat-eared foxes. These animals are all considered to be at risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 disease.

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Vets at the Saint Louis Zoo provide preventative care practices to animals regularly. Many animals are training to accept a hand-injection voluntarily. This will make the process less stressful for the animals involved.

Animals which have not received this training will be given the vaccine while under anesthesia for a wellness exam at the zoo veterinary hospital.