After Hyderabad, Two Lionesses Contract COVID At UP's Etawah Lion Safari

Lucknow: After eight Asiatic lions had tested positive for Covid-19 at Hyderabad zoo, two lionesses have tested positive at Etawah Lion Safari in Uttar Pradesh. Both the big cats Gauri and Jennifer have been placed in isolation.

According to the safari administration, the condition of both lionesses is reportedly stable. Etawah Lion Safari Director K.K Singh said both the lionesses had been suffering from fever since April 30.

Blood and faeces' samples of both the lionesses were sent for examination to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly on May 3. On May 6 evening, both lionesses were confirmed to have contracted Covid-19.

Following the reports of deaths of lions due to Coronaviru at a zoo, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday ordered closing of all the national parks and sanctuaries across the country.

The Ministry has taken such a crucial step considering the possibilities of COVID spread among the animals in National Parks, Sanctuaries, and other protected areas, and also the possibility of virus transmission from human to animals and vice-versa.

Related Story: COVID19 Resurgence: India Once Again Shuts All National Parks, Sanctuaries For Tourists

All states and UTs have been directed to follow the directive of the Ministry without a fail.

(With Inputs From Nitesh Kumar)