Miller Park Zoo animals test positive for COVID-19

Posted on December 4, 2021
In a previous release, the zoo said none of the animals have been vaccinated. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Four snow leopards and a Sumatran tiger have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington.

The big cats were showing symptoms about two weeks ago. As a result, the zoo closed the Katthoefer Animal Building to keep the animals isolated.

“The care and treatment of the cats has not changed as staff and veterinarians took precautions as soon as symptoms were seen,” according to a city news release.

In a previous release, the zoo said none of the animals have been vaccinated. Zoo staffers are evaluating results from other zoos nationwide that have given animals the COVID vaccine.

The MPZ is still holding its Wild Lights event this weekend. 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. For now, pricing for the second weekend of the event, December 10 and 11, will remain at $3 for Miller Park Zoological Society members and $8 for non-members.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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