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River otter statue, The Smithsonian Institute National Zoological Park, 2021.

Animals at risk of COVID at the Smithsonian National Zoo


The Smithsonian Institution National Zoological park remains open despite reimplemented mask mandates.
The zoo has adapted to a new way of operating, from introducing barriers between guests and exhibit fences, to discouraging the use of interactive installations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that recent studies show many mammals, including big cats, deer, and pigs, can contract the coronavirus.
“While we do have some species here at the zoo that are in danger of getting the virus, all those animals are off exhibit for their protection and the protection of our guests,” informations staff member Maxine said. “The animals on exhibit aren’t in any danger.”

The rapid rise in positive COVID cases may leave these animals out of the public eye for the foreseeable future.