zoo safari 25 aprile 2023

IL PARCO È NUOVAMENTE CHIUSO MA IL NOSTRO LAVORO NON SI FERMA

AIUTACI A SOSTENERE SAFARI PARK

ORARI E CALENDARIO

Informiamo i nostri gentili visitatori, che dall’1 aprile 2023, le attrazioni meccaniche (giostre) saranno a pagamento ., nel biglietto d’ingresso saranno compresi il safari zoologico, le mostre, i reparti faunistici, l’accesso all’area pedonale, le dimostrazioni educative e gli spettacoli., il biglietto delle attrazioni meccaniche sarà acquistabile in loco..

Chiusura casse e ultimo ingresso con l’auto al Safari alle ore 15:00

Orari d’apertura:

Dal Lunedì e al Venerdì aperti dalle 10:00 alle 17:00

Nei weekend aperti dalle 10:00 alle 18:00

Nel corso della stagione il calendario può essere soggetto a cambiamenti.

CALENDARIO STAGIONE 2024

Per i possessori di questo tipo di Biglietto Omaggio, la sua validità sarà fino al 31 Dicembre 2022.

Biglietto sconto con scadenza al 28 Febbraio 2023.

Privacy Overview

From Boo at the Zoo to Cookies with Santa  for families and kids of all ages, to Brew at the Zoo and Sippin’ Safari for adult guests, we’ve got something fun for everyone!

Experiences make your visit to Zoo Atlanta even more exciting. Take in a wildlife presentation , get up close with the animals , or spend the night at the Zoo! Explore all of our programs and activities .

• Free Events
• Events for Adults
• Events for Kids
• Member Events
• Educator Events

Endangered Species Day

Join us to celebrate species diversity and learn how you can make choices at home that help wildlife around the world! 

Brew at the Zoo

Brew at the Zoo is back and wilder than ever! Kick-off your summer at the most unique beer festival inside the perimeter.

Celebration Kickoff: 25 years of pandas

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta, and we’re kicking off a summer of celebration highlighting this incredible legacy!

Art Gone Wild Artist Market

Stroll the Zoo and shop for unique handcrafted goods from local independent makers!

Savanna Nights

June 21, July 19, August 9

Celebrate the start of the weekend with cocktails (or mocktails) and incredible views of African elephants, zebras, flamingos and more!

Grossology Day

Find out the scoop on animal poop, the details of disgusting diets, and more during Grossology Day!

Wild World Weekend

July 27 and 28

Explore the world with Zoo Atlanta! Experience the dynamic cultures and rich biodiversity that surround us.

Members Only Night: Summer

Members Only Night returns in the summer! Free and exclusive to Zoo Atlanta Members.

Sippin’ Safari

September 21

Atlanta’s wildest wine cellar opens its doors again with the much-anticipated return of one of our favorite over-21 events!

Educator Soiree

This is a night of fun just for teachers to enjoy the Zoo after hours!

Family Pride Day

Join us at Zoo Atlanta as we examine the different expressions of animal behavior and what that means for our understanding of nature.

Boo at the Zoo

October 19, 20, 26 and 27

It’s that time of year when Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival returns!

Cookies with Santa

December 7 and 8

Be here when Santa makes his first stop for the holidays at Zoo Atlanta!

Zoo Year’s Eve

December 31

Ring in 2025 with a roaring good time at Zoo Atlanta! Join us for a celebratory countdown at the top of each hour, activities, music…

Educator Appreciation Day

March 8, 2025

Join Zoo Atlanta for the 2025 spring Educator Appreciation Day!

Interested in having a sponsorship presence at one of our signature events?

Zoo Atlanta offers a wide variety of day sponsorships which allow companies to reach consumers directly in a fun and uncluttered environment. These events include special animal demonstrations, storytellers, raffles, live music, discounted admission offers, and more. The events are tailored to meet the marketing objectives of our corporate partners and result in maximum exposure. Contact Zoe Nieminen for more information.

Upcoming Events

Summer exhibit – dinosaur discovery.

Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market

Open May 18 – Oct. 5, 2024

Stomp back in time to meet some of the most formidable predators from the past! Be astounded by full-size and scientifically-accurate animatronic displays — moving, breathing, spitting, and more. Touch and feel what these dinosaurs were like, as you appreciate the role of predators in the ecosystem and be inspired to conserve their modern-day counterparts.

Located outside, behind the Small Mammals Building.

Celebrate Diversity – 2024

Sponsored by  Meijer

Diversity is nature’s greatest strength. It should be ours too. This event highligh ts nature’s diversity and focus es on increasing our connection to both nature and community. T he fun includes a biodiversity g ame, getting an up-close look at animal artifacts (biofacts) from around the world, browsing our Sustainability Market, and more.

Enjoy a ctivities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Scouting the Zoo – 2024

The Zoo welcomes Three Harbors Council of the Boy Scouts of America as they spend th is summer weekend at the Zoo for a very special camping experience and community outreach . As the scouts interact with guests, s pecial hand-created displays are presented throughout the Zoo, to showcase scouting skills and conservation activities.  

Nights in June

Sponsored by Habush Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.®

Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members are invited to an evening at the Zoo just for them. Enjoy one of three nights filled with entertainment, food trucks, and some of your favorite animals. If you’re interested in becoming a member, visit www.zoopass.com .

Senior Safari – 2024

June 11, 18, and 25 Sponsored by St. Camillus

These special Tuesdays celebrate seniors with FREE admission on these select days in June – for guests 60 and older . Enjoy fresh air and exercise as you explore the Zoo, connect with wildlife, and meet the animals! Special activities and experiences are offered, specially designed with the needs of seniors in mind .  

Father’s Day – 2024

Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy

A summer day at the Zoo is a treat! And even better — v isit o n Father’s Day, when dads receive FREE admission ! (The parking fee and regular attraction fees still apply.) See animal dads like kudu Hasani and his offspring , female Chula. B orn last summer , Chula  can be seen romping around the African Waterhole habitat near Dad and first-time mom Imani.  

June 18 and 25 Sponsored by St. Camillus

Presented by Rockwell Automation and Brewers Community Foundation

Zoo Ball is the Zoological Society’s largest fundraising event of the year. Guests come in formal wear and enjoy an evening at the Zoo, plus cocktails, gourmet dinner, dancing, and much more. Tickets and information is available at https://www.zoosociety.org/events/zoo-ball/ .

June 25 Sponsored by St. Camillus

Don’t miss the last Tuesday in our series celebrating seniors with FREE admission for guests 60 and older. Enjoy fresh air and exercise as you explore the Zoo, connect with wildlife, and meet the animals! Special activities and experiences are offered, specially designed with the needs of seniors in mind.

Military & Veterans Family Day – 2024

M ilitary members and their families are invited to a day at the Zoo, as a “thank you” for their service and sacrifice . All military service members, veterans and their families receive free admission and parking . Tickets are required through local County Veterans Service Offices (CVSO), for immediate family, and limited to 10 tickets per family.  

$4 on the 4th

Celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day with a trip to the Zoo. What better way to spend the day with family and friends and just $4 admission on the 4 th of July! (The parking fee and regular attraction rates still apply.) Don’t miss the animals associated with summer and sunshine, like our flock of flamingoes and harbor seals.  

Kids Nights

July 9, 10, and 11 Sponsored by WaterStone Bank

Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members are invited to an evening at the Zoo just for them. Enjoy one of three nights filled with kid-friendly entertainment, crafts, food trucks, and some of your favorite animals. If you’re interested in becoming a member, visit www.zoopass.com .

Fall Zoo Camp Registration for Members

Don’t miss out on signing your child up for Fall Zoo Classes. Topics range in different animal themes and are available for children starting at infants. Zoo Pass members get discounts and priority registration. The general public can register on July 24.

For a look at classes, go to www.zoosociety.org/education .

Snooze at the Zoo

August 8, 9, or 10

Camp inside the Zoo on one of these select nights. You only need to bring your “bear necessities,” such as a tent, a pillow and a sleeping bag. We supply the dinner, breakfast, entertainment and of course, s’mores at the fire! Enjoy sleeping near the animals while supporting a good cause. When available, tickets will be sold through www.zoosociety.org .

A La Carte at the Zoo – 2024

Presented by  Meijer

August in Milwaukee means A La Carte at the Zoo! Our popular food and music festival has become a summer tradition for  Zoo fans . Stroll through the Z oo to enjoy delicious dishes from well-known restaurants, and groove to local and national entertainment performing on five stages throughout the park .    

Animal Safari

Tours for Animal Sponsors

The Zoological Society wants to thank its animal sponsors with a special event! Animal Safari is for animal sponsors and those who purchased a gift sponsorship. Guests can take part in behind-the-scenes tours, animal talks, animal-themed crafts and activities, and much more. You can sponsor an animal the day of the event and take part in activities!

Ride on the Wild Side

It’s the one time of year you can ride your bike inside the Milwaukee County Zoo. This fundraiser is a “wheelie” good time. When available, tickets will be sold through www.zoosociety.org .

Zoo Brew is a fun way to sample new brews, try new foods and meet new people while visiting various locations inside the Milwaukee County Zoo. From the micro to the macro, guests can sample beers from a wide variety of brewers, as well as sample foods from local area vendors When available, tickets will be sold through www.zoosociety.org .

Family Free Day – October 5, 2024

Sponsored by Tri City National Bank &  FOX6

The Zoo is a harvest of beautiful fall colors in October. And on Oct ober 5, all guests are admitted FREE! ( Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. ) To enjoy the vibrant colors of the trees, along with the animals, stroll through the outdoor area s to see elk, giraffes, and camels,  just to mention a few!  

Boo at the Zoo 2024

The Zoo has become a must-see destination during the Halloween season. Enjoy more treats than tricks, a nd join in family-friendly activities like a Trick-or-Treat Trail to gather goodies , live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, “Creatures of the Night” talks , and … the ANIMALS! All witches and warlocks (and their parents) are encouraged to wear costumes !

Family Free Day – November 2, 2024

Mark your calendar for November 2 and enjoy FREE admission for all guests! (Parking and regular attraction fees still apply.) It’s feathers and flight in the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary — featuring   birds from around the world. See Gentoo and rockhopper penguins waddling across the rockwork and swimming in their cold-weather habitat.

Family Free Day – December 7, 2024

December is a tranquil time to visit the Zoo, and on Dec. 7 , it’s even better with free admission. All guests are admitted FREE ! (Parking and regular attraction fees still apply.) S ee our four fema le elk: Arya, Charisa, Cheyenne, and Kai. Fun facts : They’re the loudest of the deer family, and only males have antlers — the y’re often mistaken for moose .  

Lions roar. Cows moo. We send emails. Stay in touch with our newsletter!

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO 10001 W BLUEMOUND RD MILWAUKEE, WI 53226

© 2024 Milwaukee County Zoo. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Be aware of a recent "anniversary" ticket scam. tHE ZOO IS not affiliated with this.

ZooCamp 2024

On-site summer camps.

Click the link of the camp you'd like to register your child for. If registering for multiple camps, a separate registration must be made for each camper. Please select the number of campers who will be attending the same camp. You will need to complete two separate registrations for each. Data does not carry-over between registrations. Once completed, both registrations can be added to your shopping cart.

Akron Zoo member discounts will appear once you are logged in. Please make sure to log in to secure your member-only pricing. We do have a new online system and all guests will need to create a new account if they have not done so already this year. 

Camp activities include a tour of the zoo, a chance to meet zoo staff and animal keepers, animal encounters, a t-shirt , crafts and activities.

Campers may be signed up for the camp that reflects their age as of the first day of the camp they wish to attend. Children must have completed kindergarten by June 2024 to participate in these camps.

One Day Family Camp 

SOLD OUT: July 1, 2 & 5

For Families ages 3 years and up.

Registration MUST include at least one adult with any children registrations. 

• $35 Akron Zoo Members
• $45 for Non-members

Explore the zoo in a new way as a family and join a family camp. Investigate animals up close and discover what you can do at home to help our native wildlife.

Purchase Tickets

Five-Day Camps – Half Day

• $150 for Akron Zoo Members
• $170 Non-members

Campers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle and snack should they need it during the day. No Before Care is offered for half-day camps

Ages 6-8 years

Roar lion roar.

June 10 - 14

1 p . m. – 4 p.m.

Lions roar, Bald Eagles screech, and Frogs ribbit or do they? Sometimes animals surprise us with the sounds they actually make vs what we think they sound like! The zoo is filled with so many different sounds! This week campers will join the herd, learn about different animal sounds, and make some noise of their own!

Celebration Safari

August 5 – 9

9am -12pm or 1pm - 4pm

How do different cultures celebrate animals? We will look at stories, art and history as we explore how cultures from around the world celebrate wild life and wild places. And we will learn what people are doing to help protect and conserve the species they love!

Five-Day Camps – Full Day

• $220 for Akron Zoo Members 
• $245 Non-members

All Five-Day camps run 9am – 4pm. Campers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle and snack should they need it during the day. Campers are required to bring a packed lunch with them. We will NOT be offering Meal Deals through the Zoo Café. Before Care ONLY is available 8am to 9am.

Color Me Wild

June 17 – 21 or July 22 – 26

Animals come in all shapes, sizes, and COLORS! Join us as we learn all about the Art of Nature. From camouflage, bright colors, frills, bills, feathers, fur and more. Learn about our many colorful creatures, each day focusing on different colors and ways nature makes and uses it! – This week is recommended for Campers who love arts & crafts!

Weird and Wild

June 24 – 28 or July 29 – August 2

Featuring the odd balls of the animal world. Did you know a chameleon can look in different directions? Is the Patagonian Mara half rabbit, half deer? Is coral a plant or an animal? Join us as we have fun figuring out what is what amongst the weird here at the Akron Zoo!

July 15 - 19

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 9-12 years

June 10 – 14 or July 15 – 19 

9 a.m. – 4 p.m

Junior Keeper Experience

Ages 12 -16

SOLD OUT dates: June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11, July 19, July 25, Aug. 1 morning, Aug. 8

STILL AVAILABLE:  Aug. 1, 1 - 4 p.m.

• $75 for Akron Zoo Members 
• $100 Non-members

Limited Space!

Ever wonder what it is like to be a zookeeper? This program offers teens the chance to work with our keepers in non-dangerous animal areas. For this special half-day program, join us either in the morning or afternoon getting hands on what Zoo Keepers do. Limit 3 participants per session. For safety reasons, proper attire and closed toed shoes MUST be worn.

*A t-shirt is included with the registration fee of Summer Kids ZooCamps. (Does not include Family Camp or Jr Keeper) Purchase additional t-shirts for $15 each while supplies last!

• Education Programs
• Jobs & Volunteers
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• Things to Do
• Rules & Regulations
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• Food & Snacks
• All Exhibits
• African Savanna
• Rocky Shores
• Asian Highlands
• Primate Forest
• Small Animal Building
• Rhino Exhibit
• Animal Wellbeing
• Enrichment & Training
• Conservation

Upcoming Events

• Jordan River Events
• Classes & Camps
• Private Parties
• Become a Member
• Renew your Membership

Current Events

Armed Forces Day (Military Appreciation)

Zoo Brew: Wild for Utah (21+)

Members-Only Sunrise Safari: May 25

Members-Only Sunset Safari: May 28

Members-only sunset safari: june 4.

Chalk the Zoo

Zoo Brew: PRIDE with our Pride (21+)

Members-only sunrise safari: june 15, members-only sunset safari: june 18, members-only sunset safari: july 2, american zoo day (military appreciation).

Zoo Brew: PAWSitively Pink (21+)

Seniors Free

During the month of February, guests aged 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Take an exciting expedition on Africa Tram to spot herds of giraffes and rhinos, wander among kangaroos and discover platypuses at Walkabout Australia, explore the bamboo forests of Tull Family Tiger Trail, take a stroll around Mombasa Lagoon, and relax with refreshments on the patio at Kijamii Overlook. There’s a wonderful world of sights to see where each moment can change a lifetime—all at the Safari Park!

Guests 65+ must present a valid photo ID at turnstiles for free entry. Parking not included.

For more information about Seniors Free, check out our Seniors Free FAQs below: 

Are Seniors really free?

Yes!  Guests age 65+ must present a valid photo ID at the entrance to receive complimentary entrance valid that day only at the Safari Park during the month of February 2024.  Parking not included.

When is Seniors Free month at the Safari Park?

The entire month of February 2024 is Seniors Free month at the Safari Park. Guests ages 65 and up with a valid photo ID receive free admission all month long. Parking is not included.

Is parking free or discounted in February?

No, general parking is not free and is paid upon arrival (parking is included with donor-level memberships). For members and guests who prefer to park a bit closer to the entrance on a level surface, we offer Preferred Parking on weekends and holidays for an additional fee  https://sdzsafaripark.org/plan-your-visit# .  (Unlike city street parking, parking fees include our spaces reserved for guests with disabled person placards.)

What’s included in admission?

Guests age 65+ with valid photo ID receive a complimentary 1-Day Pass ticket to the Safari Park. This includes Africa Tram* and all regularly scheduled experiences* (*subject to availability). Parking not included. 

Is the Africa Tram included?

Yes, guests age 65+ with valid photo ID receive a complimentary 1-Day Pass ticket to the Safari Park during February 2024 Seniors Free month. This includes Africa Tram* and all regularly scheduled experiences* (*subject to availability). Parking not included.  The Africa Tram boarding location is approximately 2/3 of a mile from the entrance turnstiles.  The path to Africa Tram is mostly even, paved terrain and is wheelchair/ECV accessible.

What can I do if I have limited mobility or am unable to walk very far?

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes all guests. We have several services to help all of our guests enjoy their visit. For more information, please see our page devoted to  guests with disabilities . Parking not included.  (Rental wheelchairs and ECVs are limited and are available on a first-come, first-service basis and tend to sell out frequently.)

Do I need a reservation to visit the Safari Park?

No, reservations are not required to visit our parks.

Can I visit the Zoo free instead of the Safari Park?

No, Seniors Free month is only valid for a 1-Day Pass admission to the Safari Park during the month of February 2024. Senior guests must be age 65+ and show a valid photo ID at the entrance to enter free. Parking not included.

Can I bring a guest with me for free?

Only if the guest is age 65+ and shows a valid photo ID at the entrance during the month of February 2024. Otherwise, guests younger than age 65 require a valid form of admission or membership. Parking not included.

Can I bring a group of seniors?

Yes, group visits are welcome!  Click Contact Us to provide us with your information, and we will be happy to assist you with arranging your visit.

How old do I have to be to qualify?

Guests ages 65+ who show a valid photo ID at the entrance may enter the Safari Park free during the month of February 2024. Parking not included.

Do you require an ID?

Yes. Guests age 65+ must present a valid photo ID at the entrance to receive complimentary entrance valid that day only at the Safari Park during the month of February 2024. Parking not included.

Can I come in free at a later date if I can’t visit in February?

No, Seniors Free is only valid for admission to the Safari Park during the month of February 2024. Senior guests must be ages 65+ with valid photo ID to enter free. All other months, senior guests 65+ receive a 10% discount on the 1-Day Pass with a valid photo ID. Parking not included.

Can I go free multiple times?

Yes, guests ages 65+ with valid photo ID may enter the Safari Park free every day during the month of February 2024. Parking not included.

If I’m a senior and I have a membership, can I bring someone free in my place?

No. Memberships are non-transferrable. Guests must be age 65+ with a valid photo ID to enter the Safari Park free during the month of February 2024. Guests younger than age 65 require a valid form of admission or membership. As always, members are welcome to bring a guest using their guest admission coupons.  

Are there senior discounts on Safaris?

No, Seniors Free month is only valid for free admission to the Safari Park during the month of February 2024. Senior guests must be age 65+ with valid photo ID to enter free. All members receive  Wild Perks  discounts on Safaris. Parking not included.

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Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.

Volume 30, Number 6—June 2024

SARS-CoV-2 in Captive Nonhuman Primates, Spain, 2020–2023

Suggested citation for this article

We conducted a serologic and molecular study to assess exposure of captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) to SARS-CoV-2 in Spain during the 2020–2023 COVID-19 pandemic. We found limited exposure of NHPs to SARS-CoV-2. Biosafety measures must be strictly maintained to avoid SARS-CoV-2 reverse-zoonotic transmission in the human–NHP interface.

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging respiratory disease that likely originated from wildlife in late 2019 ( 1 ). Although the main driver of SARS-CoV-2 spread is human-to-human transmission, several wild and domestic mammals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection; natural infections have been reported in 29 nonhuman animal species ( 2 ).

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are among the most susceptible taxonomic groups to SARS-CoV-2 infection ( 3 ) and are suitable animal models to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis ( 4 ). Natural infections with clinical outcomes have been reported in both captive and free-living NHPs worldwide ( 2 , 5 – 8 ). Because active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has not been conducted in NHPs, we assessed SARS-CoV-2 circulation among NHPs housed in zoos and rescue centers in Spain, where NHPs can be found in proximity to humans.

Figure 1 . Geographic distribution of captive NHPs sampled in study of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain, 2020–2023. Serum and fecal samples were collected from different NHP species at 17 zoos and NHPs rescue centers...

During January 2020–March 2023, we collected serum samples from 127 different NHPs belonging to 30 species housed in 17 zoos and NHP rescue centers in Spain. The number of sampled animals represented ≈40% of the total census of those species in the selected zoos and rescue centers. We collected 16 serum samples in 2020, 76 in 2021, 28 in 2022, and 7 in 2023 ( Table ; Figure 1 ). In addition, we collected 186 fresh fecal samples during February–May 2022 within the same zoos and NHPs rescue centers, which comprised 39 samples collected from animals housed in individual facilities and 147 pooled samples from the floors of facilities with >1 animal (1 pool per facility and species) belonging to 64 different NHP species ( Appendix Table). The study did not require additional blood extractions because we obtained all serum samples from serum banks or from NHPs that had medical check-ups or surgical interventions during the study period.

We tested all serum samples for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) proteins by using 2 commercial multispecies ELISAs (ID Screen SARS-CoV-2 Double Antigen and NeutraLISA SARS-CoV-2; Euroimmun, https://www.euroimmun.com ) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We analyzed ELISA-positive serum samples further by using a virus neutralization test (VNT) as previously described ( 9 ). In brief, we preincubated 100 SARS-CoV-2 (B.1 lineage) 50% tissue culture infectious doses with 2-fold serial dilutions (1:20 to 1:10,240) of heat-inactivated serum samples in Nunc 96-well cell culture plates (Thermo Fisher Scientific, https://www.thermofisher.com ) for 30 minutes at 37°C. Then, we added the virus-serum mixtures onto Vero cells (ATCC, https://www.atcc.org ) and read results after 72 hours by using the Cell Titer Glo kit (Promega, https://www.promega.com ). We normalized values and calculated VNT 50 (the reciprocal dilution inhibiting 50% of Vero cell infection) by plotting and fitting the log of serum dilution versus normalized response in Prism 8.4.3 (Graphpad, https://www.graphpad.com ). We performed VNTs in duplicate for each sample.

We tested fecal samples for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. We extracted RNA from feces by using the IndiSpin QIAcube HT Pathogen Kit (Indical Biosciences, https://www.indical.com ) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA by using a previously published method ( 10 ) that had minor modifications adapting it to the Applied Biosystems AgPath-ID One-Step RT-PCR Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). We performed PCR amplification by using an Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and considered samples with a cycle threshold value of <40 to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Figure 2 . Virus neutralization tests conducted for 2 SARS-CoV-2–seropositive gorillas in study of captive nonhuman primates, Spain, 2020–2023. Serum samples from 2 gorillas tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by ELISA. Virus neutralization...

We confirmed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 2/127 (1.6% [95% CI 0.0%–3.7%]) tested animals by both ELISA and VNT. The seropositive animals were 2 western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla ) designated as G1 and G2. VNT 50 titers were 1:131.4 for G1 and 1:191.9 for G2 serum samples ( Figure 2 ).

G1 and G2 were adult female gorillas sampled at zoo D within the same enclosure ( Table ; Figure 1 ). G1 arrived at zoo D from a UK zoo on March 4, 2020, after a favorable medical evaluation. During April 7–10, zookeepers reported that G1 was exhibiting a dry cough. A serum sample was collected from G1 on April 24, 2020, during a clinical intervention after an aggression was suffered by another gorilla from the same group. Previous studies of NHPs experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported clinical signs within the first week after infection ( 4 , 11 ). Therefore, the exposure of G1 to SARS-CoV-2 most likely occurred during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (February–June 2020), when the zoo was closed to the public because of lockdown efforts to curb coronavirus cases. G2 was sampled on November 4, 2022, and did not show previous clinical signs compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The 4 group members that shared the same facilities with the 2 seropositive gorillas could not be sampled, but they did not show any indications of disease at that time.

Previous cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 infections have been described in gorillas; the animals experienced asymptomatic or mild illness, involving coughing, congestion, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and tiredness that did not require medical interventions and resolved within a few days ( 5 , 6 , 8 , 12 ). In those previous cases, intraspecific transmission among animals from the same facilities was suggested.

Despite the rigorous biosafety protocols used when working with NHPs (e.g., using disinfection mats, masks, gloves, and hand disinfectants and changing overalls), the zoo staff was the most plausible source of transmission to the gorilla troop, which has been suggested for previous outbreaks reported in zoos ( 6 , 8 ). Nevertheless, exposure of G1 to SARS-CoV-2 at the zoo of origin or during transport, as well as intraspecific transmission, cannot be ruled out.

Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 peaks during the symptomatic period and can persist 1–35 days after onset of clinical signs in humans ( 13 , 14 ). Similarly, a study of rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported that rectal swab samples tested positive for RNA up to 27 days after infection ( 15 ). In our study, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any of the 186 fecal samples tested ( Appendix Table), including those obtained at the facility housing G1 and G2. Considering the time of fecal sampling and the virus excretion period in primate species (≈1 month), our findings indicate an absence of virus circulation during this temporal window. Discrepancies between serologic and molecular results in the 2 seropositive gorillas could be explained by differences in antibody persistence, which ranged from 3 to >9 months in experimentally immunized NHPs ( Appendix references 16,17 ), and by differences in virus RNA excretion in feces, as well as sampling times (April 2020 and November 2022 for serum samples and February 2022 for fecal samples).

The first limitation of this study is that the spatial distribution of sampling was not homogeneous. Approximately 60% of the tested serum samples were from 4 of the sampled centers. Second, serum samples could not be longitudinally analyzed. Because antibodies decay over time ( Appendix references 16,17 ), SARS-CoV-2 exposure before the sampling period cannot be ruled out. Further longitudinal studies would be of great interest to better understand the temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in NHPs.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a limited SARS-CoV-2 exposure in captive NHPs populations in zoos and NHPs rescue centers in Spain during the 2020–2023 COVID-19 pandemic period. G1 only exhibited mild symptoms, and G2 exhibited no symptoms, highlighting the importance of conducting active screening and surveillance testing to reduce the potential emergence of unidentified reservoirs and virus evolution. Considering the potential health risk and threat to the conservation of NHP species, the possibility of the emergence of new reservoirs, and the opportunities for virus evolution, vaccination of captive animals and the proper use of biosafety measures and personal protective equipment are critical to prevent future reverse-zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Dr. Cano-Terriza is an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cordoba. His research interests focus on the epidemiology of emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases.

Acknowledgments

We thank Bioparc Fuengirola, Bioparc Valencia, Centro de Conservación Zoo Córdoba, Faunia, Marcelle Naturaleza, MundoMar Benidorm, Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, Selwo Aventura, Terra Natura Murcia, Zoo de Santillana del Mar, and Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad Zoobotánico Jerez-Alberto Durán for providing the valuable samples.

This research was partially supported by the Innovation and Transfer Plan of the University of Cordoba and CIBER, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CB2021/13/00083), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Unión Europea–NextGenerationEU. A.B.-B. is a PhD. candidate supported by the Andalusian System of Knowledge.

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• Figure 1 . Geographic distribution of captive NHPs sampled in study of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain, 2020–2023. Serum and fecal samples were collected from different NHP species at 17 zoos and NHPs rescue...
• Figure 2 . Virus neutralization tests conducted for 2 SARS-CoV-2–seropositive gorillas in study of captive nonhuman primates, Spain, 2020–2023. Serum samples from 2 gorillas tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by ELISA. Virus...
• Table . Distribution of serum samples in study of SARS-CoV-2 in captive nonhuman primates in Spain, 2020–2023

Suggested citation for this article : Cano-Terriza D, Beato-Benítez A, Fernández-Bastit L, Segalés J, Vergara-Alert J, Martínez-Nevado E, et al. SARS-CoV-2 in captive nonhuman primates, Spain, 2020–2023. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Jun [ date cited ]. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3006.231247

DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.231247

Original Publication Date: May 14, 2024

Table of Contents – Volume 30, Number 6—June 2024

Please use the form below to submit correspondence to the authors or contact them at the following address:

David Cano-Terriza, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Campus universitario de Rabanales, Carretera Madrid Km 396, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba 14014, Spain

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