Members of the gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, the zoo confirmed Monday, adding that it is believed the animals contracted the virus from an asymptotic staff member.
It is said to be the first known instance of such transmission. Two gorillas had been observed coughing on Jan. 6, prompting California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System researchers to perform testing on fecal samples, according to a news release posted Monday.