On Sept. 10, 2021, Zoo Atlanta reported that it had received presumptive positive test results indicating that members of its western lowland gorilla troops were positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

While it cannot be known with certainty how the gorillas acquired the virus, the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams believe the infections originated with a COVID-positive care team member. The team member is fully vaccinated, was wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and was asymptomatic on the day of reporting to work.