It is known that humans can transmit some diseases to other primates, and vice versa, and that some simple colds, for which we already have immunity against, can be very dangerous for chimpanzees, for example.

In times of coronavirus, veterinarians and other specialists who care for great apes and other non-human primates are very attentive, monitoring, analyzing information and redoubling their care.

An initiative of universities and organizations that work with the protection of great apes (both captives and in the wild) recently created an Information Hub on COVID-19, a website that is being progressively updated to be a reference for professionals in the field.

To access the hub click https://umnadvet.instructure.com/courses/324.

Translation

Great Apes and COVID

January 2021: A group of 8 gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari, USA, tested positive for coronavirus. They were quarantined, received treatment and fortunately recovered.

February 2021: Four orangutans, five bonobos and three zoo gorillas received two doses of an experimental animal vaccine developed by a veterinary pharmaceutical company (Zoetis).