Potter Park Zoo is vaccinating animals who are believed to be most susceptible to COVID-19 with a vaccine developed for animal use and donated to the zoo by pharmaceutical company Zoetis. This vaccine has been authorized by the United State Department of Agriculture.
The species that have shown to be most susceptible received the vaccine first including the tiger, lions, and snow leopard. The positive reinforcement training that animal care staff use on a daily basis enabled many of the animals at PPZ to receive the vaccination quickly and voluntarily.
Potter Park Zoo’s snow leopard Taza receives a dose of the COVID vaccine
“We take every measure possible to provide safe and quality care to all animals at Potter Park Zoo,” said Cynthia Wagner, Potter Park Zoo Director. “Utilizing this COVID-19 vaccine is another step we can take to protect the animals in our care.”
To date, no COVID-19 infections have been found in animals at Potter Park Zoo. Animal care staff have followed strict safety measures including the use of full personal protection equipment when working in and around susceptible species.
“Vaccines are important in both human and animal health. We are extremely grateful to Zoetis for providing this vaccine to Potter Park Zoo and zoos across the country,” said Dr. Ronan Eustace, Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health.
Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses to 70 zoos as well as more than a dozen conservatories, sanctuaries and other organizations across 27 states.
