Toronto Zoo vaccinating over 100 susceptible animals against COVID-19

The Toronto Zoo says it has started vaccinating its susceptible animals against COVID-19.

Zoo officials received its first batch of vaccines on Thursday, produced by Zoetis.

A fascinating part of the process is that the zoo gives the animals a choice on whether it feels comfortable to receive the shot in a specific part of the body.

A Toronto Zoo spokesperson says “voluntary positive reinforcement training” is something staff have been working on with the animals for many years.

“Many of the animals willingly present an area of the body (such as an arm or tail) as part of their regular training exercises with their trusted keepers, with desirable treats often used as a reward for their participation,” Amy Taylor said.

“A key component of these training sessions is that the animal always has the choice to participate in the training session or walk away and try again another time.”

The zoo has received 320 vaccine doses, with two doses required per animal given about two-to-three weeks apart. Taylor says 120 animals have received or will soon receive the vaccine, based on the COVID-19 sensitivity list that has been developed through “ongoing research and reports of positive cases in other zoos.”

On March 1, the Toronto Zoo announced its intention to keep a proof-of-vaccination system in place to protect staff and guests and ensure animals are safe.

As of March 21, the Toronto Zoo said it would strongly encourage and recommend that guests continue to wear masks indoors around susceptible animals and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Toronto Zoo has received about 320 vaccine doses, with two doses required per animal. Photo: Unsplash.

No positive cases in Toronto Zoo animals to date: CEO

Toronto Zoo CEO, Dolf DeJong, says that no animals have tested positive for COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

“We have an incredible team here at the Toronto Zoo, and it’s been amazing to watch the care and commitment that goes into training many of these animals to participate in their own healthcare,” he said.

The zoo says that other locations in the U.S. began vaccinating their animals in 2021, and there have been no significant adverse effects reported to date.

“The health and safety of our animals is a priority, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure we protect their health,” Taylor said.

“This includes giving them their regular vaccines from when they are first born, providing them with the highest level of medical care throughout their lives and administering the new vaccines to fight COVID-19 that has proved to be deadly in some animals in other zoos.”

The Zoetis vaccine has received no significant animal adverse event reports from zoo veterinarians following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for animals, officials said.