The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Wednesday that a Siberian tiger died from complications with Covid-19.
The zoo announced on Facebook that a tiger, also known as Amur, from 14 years old, named Jupiter died on Sunday, after developing pneumonia caused by covid-19.
According to National Geographic, certain types of animals, including big cats, are particularly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus and developing other types of diseases.
Jupiter was receiving long-term treatment for chronic underlying conditions, which made him more susceptible to this virus, he said the zoo in a statement.
Jupiter is the first and only animal to succumb to Covid-19 at the Zoo facilities, according to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The death of the tiger Jupiter
Jupiter began to “act badly” on 22 in June, according to the statement. He was not interested in eating and was reluctant to stand up, move, or interact with the caregivers. When this continued into the next day, Jupiter was anesthetized for examination and treatment.
The zoo said the initial diagnosis was an infection and the staff began treatment, however, Jupiter did not improve. The next day, he received additional treatments and more tests. Although it seemed stable, Jupiter passed away during the night.
As a precautionary measure, the Zoo requires that staff working with cats, large apes and mustelids, wear a mask when you are within two meters of these animals. Everyone is more susceptible to contracting Covid-19.
The total number of animals that have died after contracting Covid is unknown-19, but there have been multiple reports during the pandemic at other zoos. In November, for example, three snow leopards at a Nebraska zoo died of complications from the virus.
Experts point out that most animals that contract the virus that causes Covid-19 in humans recover. However, like humans, predisposing conditions can cause certain animals to experience more serious complications that could lead to death.
Jupiter’s Life
Jupiter was born at the Moscow Zoo on July 9, 2007 and arrived at the Columbus Zoo on 19 March 2021 after spending time at the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic.
The zoo said he fathered nine cubs, six of whom were born at the Columbus Zoo, contributing to the future of this endangered species.
“Jupiter’s care team remembers him as a large and impressive tiger who loved fish, slept in the habitat cave, played with cardboard boxes, and interacted with another favorite item: a ‘plus sign’ from the fire station in 75 pounds,” the Columbus Zoo wrote in its Wednesday Facebook post.
“Jupiter will be greatly missed,” he added.
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