28 elephants test negative for COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: All the 28 semi-wild elephants at the Theppakadu Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve have tested negative from the virus, according to a top forest officer.

On Tuesday, June 8 the samples were taken and delivered to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh.

After nine of 11 lions tested positive at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park near Chennai, preventive testing for captive elephants was conducted on the instructions of the state forest minister.

ALSO READ: 10-year-old girl raped in Haryana school; case filed after video goes…

A nine-year-old lioness was also infected with the virus, making it India's first case.

One of the country's oldest elephant camps, Theppakadu, was established in 1927. Both the camp and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve are managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Despite the pachyderms' lack of symptoms, the captive elephants were examined as a precaution. It's worth noting that five of the zoo lions who tested positive reported symptoms like coughing and a lack of appetite.

The elephants at the Theppakadu elephant camp tested negative for Covid-19, according to KK Kaushal, Field Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. “We will not, however let our guard down and will continue to assiduously and prudently follow all necessary precautions and protocols to avoid infection,” he stated.

Follow us on Facebook