The Smithsonian National Zoo started vaccinating its animals against COVID-19 on Wednesday, exactly a month after all of the lions and tigers living at the zoo tested positive for the coronavirus.
The vaccination campaign began this week with several primate species. Seven orangutans, one western lowland gorilla, a white-eared titi monkey, and two emperor tamarins got the jab.
The shots are specifically made for use in animals, and were manufactured by Zoetis, a former subsidiary of Pfizer.
If you’re at all curious how (non-human) primates might react to vaccination, rest assured: They are extremely cute about it. Video shared by the zoo shows orangutans submitting to a temperature check, then pushing their arms up against the grate of their cage to allow the keeper to prick them. Only minimal flinching back and annoyed arm-rubbing to be found!
Cats and primates are among the susceptible species to COVID-19, and have been receiving Zoetis’ vaccine in zoos across the country. All 11 animals who got the shot last week will receive a second dose, though the zoo didn’t specify when.
The zoo’s great cats are all recovering well after their bout with the virus, despite concerns last month that three lions were slow to improve, one in particular even showing signs of renal failure.
But their recent illness means the felines can’t receive the approved animal vaccine for at least 90 days after their recovery.
The zoo said in its release that it will continue to administer the COVID vaccine to animals identified as susceptible to COVID-19 in the coming months.
Natalie Delgadillo