African lion at Singapore Zoo recovers from Covid-19; exhibit to reopen on Nov 27

SINGAPORE — The African lion at the Singapore Zoo that tested positive for Covid-19 has made a full recovery and the exhibit will reopen on Saturday (Nov 27).

Four other African lions at the zoo had also been isolated. 

The Mandai Wildlife Group said on Friday that the national Animal and Veterinary Service lifted the isolation order on the African lions on Tuesday because they no longer showed symptoms.

Four Asiatic lions at the Night Safari that caught the coronavirus after exposure to infected staff members, however, remain isolated with mild symptoms, the group added in a statement.

The Mandai Wildlife Group manages both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

“All the lions are bright, alert and recovering well. The animal care and veterinary teams continue to provide them with the necessary care and ensure they stay well-hydrated,” it said.

The group added that the infected staff members had also fully recovered and were back at work.

No other species were observed to be showing symptoms of the coronavirus.

The Animal and Veterinary Service first said on Nov 9 that four Asiatic lions at the Night Safari tested positive for Covid-19 after being exposed to staff members from the Mandai Wildlife Group who were infected with the coronavirus.

A day later, an African lion at the Singapore Zoo tested positive for Covid-19.

All five lions had shown mild signs of sickness, including coughing, sneezing and lethargy.

TODAY understands that once a lion tests positive for the coronavirus, its entire pride, or group, is deemed to have also been infected and put under isolation. 

The Mandai Wildlife Group said: “We would like to thank the public for their concern and well-wishes for our lions and animal care staff during this time.”