COAL VALLEY, ILLLINOIS (March 7, 2023) — A group of Niabi Zoo animals, ranging from Amur Leopards to Fennec foxes, have received the first and second rounds of the Veterinary COVID Vaccine, produced and donated by the pharmaceutical company Zoetis.
“COVID-19 has been found in a wide array of mammals since the pandemic struck. And like humans, some species are particularly vulnerable to becoming seriously ill as a result.” Said Zoo Director Lee Jackson. “A number of zoo animals have fallen ill due to COVID, and dozens have died as a result, including at least one snow leopard at a zoo in Illinois. The Niabi Zoo instituted bio-security precautions for COVID, in addition to the standard bio-security rules we already had in place. As a result, the Niabi Zoo had no cases of COVID in any of its animals. The addition of the vaccine to our bio-security protocols will help assure the safety of our residents moving forward.”
When the Veterinary COVID vaccine was first made available, the Niabi Zoo reached out to the manufacturer, and was placed on a waiting list. Niabi Received its first doses in late January. The first round of two doses were given on February 6 and February 27. A second group of animals will receive their vaccinations in coming weeks.
“Zoo animals, like family pets, receive regular vaccinations for things like rabies, distemper, and parvo virus”, etc,” said Jackson. “The COVID vaccine is another important tool we will use to assure the health and wellbeing of the animals at the zoo.”
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo is now closed for the regular admission season but there are plenty of experiences happening at the zoo year-round. Visit NiabiZoo.com for more information. Niabi will be open for the 2023 regular admission season starting April 17,2023.
Located in Coal Valley, Illinois, Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres that encompass 200 animal species while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals from around the world.
You can find all the details here: niabizoo.com/plan-your-visit/hours-pricing/.
The Niabi Zoo is a proud member of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Member Institutions are held to the highest standards of animal care and welfare. The ZAA is the fastest growing professional zoo organization in the United States.
