Fota Wildlife Park has assured the public they are taking every and all necessary precautions to protect their staff and animals following reports of a tiger in Bronx Zoo with covid-19.

A tiger at the New York zoo has a confirmed case of the deadly disease while six other large cats have shown symptoms of the respiratory illness.

In a statement to The Echo, the wildlife park said that all the animals were in “extremely good health” and the park staff were following “the latest Government, HSE and World Health Organisation (WHO) advice as well as the most up to date European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) advice on animal care practice” The spokesperson said they continue to review measures in place continually.

“The animal care team work under strict protocols and procedures according to Zoological Animal Management best practices.” The spokesperson said there is no direct contact with any of the big cats (Asian Lions, Sumatran Tigers and Northern Cheetah) and their feeding and welfare checks take place through a highly secure protective barrier with the maximum physical distancing possible in place while doing do.

As well as this, there are additional protective procedures in place within Fota Wildlife Park such as the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, split shifts for the essential working teams and increased hygiene measures throughout the Park.

“Please be assured that the safety of our staff and animals is paramount and every effort to safeguard same is in place,” the spokesperson said