Nahargarh lion tests positive for Covid

JAIPUR

After eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad zoo tested positive, a lion at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur has also been found Covid-19 positive on Thursday.

A release from the forest department states that the park was closed on April 17 on directions of the government.

On directions of the Central Zoo Authority, samples of three lions (Tripur, Tara and Shristi), four tigers (Rambha, Mehak,

Nahar, Rani), a white tiger (Chinu) and a panther (Krishna) were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly for Covid-19 test.

When the samples were sent, there were no symptoms of Covid-19 in the animals, but the report of IVRI has confirmed Tripur Covid-19 positive. The IVRI has asked to resend samples of Chinu, Tara and Krishna, which are being sent, officials said.

All the animals are having normal diet. The animals at the park are given medicine to strengthen immunity.

Chief Wildlife Warden ML Meena said all the guidelines are followed, even the person entering inside to feed the animals wear PPE kit. “No Covid-19 symptoms are visible in animals, all are active and eating healthy diet,” he said.

On May 5, eight Asiatic lions at the Hyderabad zoo were tested positive for Covid-19, in the first such case in the country, prompting the Union environment ministry to order the closure of all national parks, sanctuaries and national zoological parks in the country.

The park has 11 big cats, including three tigers, five leopards and three Asiatic lions.