🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://www.akronzoo.org/news/lions-akron-zoo-test-positive-covid-19#main-content) [](https://www.akronzoo.org/) ## Main navigation - Wildlife - [Animals](https://www.akronzoo.org/animals) - [Plants](https://www.akronzoo.org/plants) - [Areas of the Zoo](https://www.akronzoo.org/areas-zoo) - Events - [Events Calendar](https://www.akronzoo.org/events) - [Summer Safari](https://www.akronzoo.org/summer-safari) - [Community Days](https://www.akronzoo.org/community-days) - [Boo at the Zoo](https://www.akronzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo) - [Wild Lights](https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights) - [DinoTrek](https://www.akronzoo.org/dinotrek "May 10 - Sept. 14") - Experiences - [Animal Tours](https://www.akronzoo.org/unique-experiences) - [Education Programs](https://www.akronzoo.org/education-programs) - [ZooCamp](https://www.akronzoo.org/zoocamp) - [Mobile Zoo](https://www.akronzoo.org/mobile-zoo) - [Webcams](https://www.akronzoo.org/zoolife) - Support - [Ways To Give](https://www.akronzoo.org/give) - [Care for a Critter](https://www.akronzoo.org/care-for-a-critter) - [Corporate Partnerships](https://www.akronzoo.org/corporate-partnerships) - [Planned Giving](https://akronzoo.plannedgiving.org/) - [P.A.W.](https://www.akronzoo.org/young-professionals-get-involved) - About - [About the Zoo](https://www.akronzoo.org/about-zoo) - [Akron Zoo History](https://www.akronzoo.org/akron-zoo-history) - [Conservation](https://www.akronzoo.org/conservation) - [Employment](https://www.akronzoo.org/employment) - [Volunteer](https://www.akronzoo.org/volunteer) - [Contact](https://www.akronzoo.org/contact) - [Leadership](https://www.akronzoo.org/leadership) - [Potter’s Blog](https://www.akronzoo.org/blog) - Plan Your Visit - [Tickets](https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets) - [‎](https://www.akronzoo.org/hours-admission) - [‎](https://www.akronzoo.org/membership) - [‎ Shop](https://akronzoo.myshopify.com/) - [Accessibility](https://www.akronzoo.org/accessibility) - [Things To Do](https://www.akronzoo.org/things-do) - [Zoo FAQs](https://www.akronzoo.org/zoo-faqs) - [Host A Party](https://www.akronzoo.org/host-a-party) - [Field Trips](https://www.akronzoo.org/field-trips) - [Museums For All](https://www.akronzoo.org/museums-for-all) - [Search](https://www.akronzoo.org/search) # Zoo News # Lions at Akron Zoo test positive for COVID-19 ### SHARE THIS The African lions at the Akron Zoo have received presumptive positive test results for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Akron Zoo is home to five lions – males Tamarr and Donovan and females Mandisa, Kataba and Msinga. The lion care team recently noticed some mild coughing, sneezing and decreased appetite in a few of the lions. After the onset of symptoms, fecal samples were collected and sent to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where the lions tested presumptive positive. The positive samples will now be sent to a National Veterinary Services Lab for further testing. Out of an abundance of caution, the Akron Zoo also sent fecal samples for testing of all their big cats, including the Sumatran tigers, snow leopards and jaguar. These samples tested negative, however staff will continue to closely monitor them for any clinical signs of COVID-19. The lions will remain in their habitat in the zoo’s Pride of Africa area, where they will be treated for any symptoms as indicated for each animal. The lions do not pose a transmission threat to zoo visitors. There is currently no data showing that zoo animals have transmitted the virus to humans, unlike the documented transmission of humans to animals. Additionally, the zoo’s habitat design and use of glass throughout the park protects the animals and guests from exposure to each other while in their habitats. The use of PPE and safety protocols were already required in all animal care areas. Exposure is believed to be from a staff member who later tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the zoo will be further enhancing PPE in animal care areas. The Akron Zoo has been authorized to use the Zoetis COVID-19 investigational vaccine developed uniquely for animals. Other zoos throughout North America have begun administering the vaccine to its vulnerable animals. The vaccine very recently arrived at the Akron Zoo, and plans are underway to vaccinate susceptible animals. The lions will be included in vaccinations, upon their recovery. Use of the COVID-19 vaccine from Zoetis has been authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Ohio state veterinarian. - [Buy Tickets](https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets) - [Animal Tours](https://www.akronzoo.org/unique-experiences) - [Become a Member](https://www.akronzoo.org/membership) - [Give](https://www.akronzoo.org/give)  ## Akron Zoo Members Enjoy More Enjoy exclusive member events, prices and discounts, including discounted admission to more than 150 accredited zoos and aquariums across the country. Become a member today to make more out of every visit\! [Learn More](https://www.akronzoo.org/membership) - [News](https://www.akronzoo.org/news) - [Blog](https://www.akronzoo.org/blog) - [Contact](https://www.akronzoo.org/contact) - [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/505+Euclid+Ave,+Akron,+OH+44307/@41.076172,-81.541191,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8830d646c559251f:0xe928d36ba1a77470!8m2!3d41.076172!4d-81.541191) - [](https://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo) - [](https://www.instagram.com/akronzoo/) - [](https://www.tiktok.com/@akronzoo?fbclid=IwAR02b3Mk8K78uZm_2BLl1BpGZOwKxdA-i1Qy9pQEQFJwKoXNVdEZGBU53BY) - [](https://twitter.com/AkronZoo) - [](https://www.youtube.com/user/akronzoo) [](https://www.publicgardens.org/) [](https://www.aza.org/?locale=en) []() - [© Akron Zoo. All rights reserved. \|]() - [Privacy Policy \|](https://www.akronzoo.org/privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.akronzoo.org/terms-and-conditions)