An 11-year-old lion at Dehiwala Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of National Zoological Gardens confirmed today (June 18).

Local officials have decided to seek the assistance and consultation from India’s Central Zoo Authority with regard to treatments required for the coronavirus-infected lion.

Ever since it was brought to Sri Lanka from Seoul Zoo in South Korea in 2013, the lion, called ‘Thor’, had been in the exhibit at the Dehiwala Zoo for the past 08 years.

According to Director-General of the Department Ishini Wickremesinghe, ‘Thor’ had been suffering from breathing difficulties and loss of appetite since last week.

‘Thor’ was first subjected to a rapid antigen test which turned out to be negative. However, a PCR test was later carried out in order to confirm if the lion is infected with COVID-19.

Wickremesinghe said ‘Thor’ is currently under medical care in isolation and necessary measures have been taken to prevent the other animals and staff members from contracting the virus.

According to reports, two other animals held at the Dehiwala Zoo have also died suddenly. However, the National Zoological Gardens Department confirmed that the cause of their deaths was not coronavirus infection. A pygmy hippopotamus has died of bacterial allergy of the gastrointestinal tract and a zebra has died of an infection caused by intestinal blockage.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, who spoke in this regard, stated that relevant authorities have already started to look into the incident. He said discussions will be held with the officials of the Dehiwala Zoo to confirm how the lion was infected, if the staff members have contracted the virus and whether the virus has spread out of the zoo premises.