Great Apes

San Diego Zoo Vaccinates Apes with Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine

A Pioneering Step in Animal Health

The San Diego Zoo has taken a groundbreaking step in animal health by vaccinating several apes with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine designed for pets. This marks a significant milestone, making these apes the first non-human primates to receive such a vaccine.

The Vaccine

The vaccine, developed by Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, was provided to the zoo after they requested assistance in vaccinating their apes following the positive COVID-19 tests of several gorillas in January. The vaccine works similarly to the Novavax vaccine for humans, introducing a synthetic form of the COVID-19 spike protein to prime the immune system to fight infection.

The Decision to Vaccinate

Despite being an experimental vaccine, Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation and wildlife health officer for San Diego Zoo Global, deemed it necessary to vaccinate the apes at the zoo and safari park. Conservationists are deeply concerned about the vulnerability of apes to human diseases, which can lead to deadly outbreaks. Additionally, scientists worry about the potential for the virus to lie dormant in animal populations and reemerge, infecting humans once again.

The Selection Process

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the apes, veterinarians with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance carefully selected five bonobos and four orangutans to receive the experimental vaccine. These apes were identified as being most at risk due to their indoor living conditions.

The Vaccination Process

The selected apes received two doses of the vaccine, and no adverse reactions were observed. Blood will be drawn from the apes to monitor the presence of antibodies and assess the effectiveness of the vaccine. The gorillas previously infected with coronavirus will also receive the vaccine once they have fully recovered.

Future Availability

Various other zoos have expressed interest in obtaining doses of Zoetis’s vaccine. The company anticipates having increased quantities available by June, with plans to expand production for use in mink once commercial approval is granted.

Significance of the Vaccination

The vaccination of apes with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine is a significant step forward in animal health. It demonstrates the concern and commitment of conservationists to protect these endangered species from the threat of human diseases. The vaccine’s effectiveness will be closely monitored, potentially paving the way for broader vaccination programs among apes and other animal populations.

Vulnerability of Apes to Human Diseases

Apes share a close genetic relationship with humans, making them susceptible to many of the same diseases. This includes respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, which can spread easily among captive ape populations. Outbreaks of human diseases among apes can have devastating consequences, leading to high mortality rates.

Prevention of Disease Spread

Maintaining strict hygiene practices and limiting contact between humans and apes is essential for preventing the spread of disease. Zoos and conservation organizations have implemented comprehensive protocols to minimize the risk of transmission. Vaccination is an additional layer of protection that can help safeguard these animals from the threat of human viruses.

Ongoing Research

Research into the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in apes is ongoing. Scientists will continue to monitor the health of the vaccinated animals and assess the vaccine’s ability to protect them from infection. The results of this research will inform future vaccination strategies and contribute to the overall understanding of animal health and disease prevention.

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The Origins of Laughter

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Vaccinating Apes Against COVID-19: San Diego Zoo’s Pioneering Role in Animal Health