Some Miller Park Zoo animals show signs of COVID-19

A Sumatran tiger and four snow leopards are showing signs of COVID-19. (Photo courtesy Miller Park Zoo)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Four snow leopards and a Sumatran Tiger at the Miller Park Zoo are showing signs of COVID-19, according to a news release Tuesday.

No cat has been confirmed with the virus but staff, consulting with veterinarians, are moving forward with an abundance of caution, according to the release. The zoo has closed the Katthoefer Animal Building.

The first cat began coughing and had a raspy respiration beginning on November 20.  All five cats are being treated and are responding to treatment.

No animals have received COVID vaccinations at the Miller Park Zoo. Staff have been evaluating and following other facilities that have given the vaccine and their results.

Meanwhile, due to the Katthoefer Animal Building being closed, there are some changes for opening weekend of Zoo Lights this Friday and Saturday. Anyone who purchased full price tickets in advance will receive a $3 reimbursement or they can choose to have the money go to the Zoo as a charitable donation.

More information is available on the zoo’s website here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…