Hyenas at Denver Zoo test positive for COVID-19

Two hyenas at the Denver Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first case in the animal worldwide.

The hyenas were tested after several lions at the zoo became sick, according to The Associated Press. The hyena samples first tested positive at a Colorado State University lab and were then confirmed by the national lab.

“Hyenas are famously tough, resilient animals that are known to be highly tolerant to anthrax, rabies and distemper,” the Denver Zoo said in a statement, according to the AP. “They are otherwise healthy and expected to make a full recovery.”

Zoo officials said the hyenas are experiencing lethargy, nasal discharge and a cough, the AP reported.

Eleven lions and two tigers at the Denver Zoo tested positive for the virus in October, but all of them have either fully recovered or are expected to make a complete recovery, the AP noted.

“We now know that many other species may be susceptible to COVID-19 based on multiple reports, and we continue to use the highest level of care and precaution when working with all of our 3,000 animals and 450 different species,” the statement read.