by The Chicago Times Staff
October 1, 2021
BROOKFIELD, IL — COVID-19 was found in a tiger at the Brookfield Zoo.
According to zoo officials, the 11-year-old tiger named Malena began exhibiting symptoms of a mild respiratory illness late last week, including lethargy, coughing, and sneezing.
Dr. Mike Adkesson, vice president of clinical medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, believes Malena has a good prognosis.
“Malena is an older tiger, so she is at a higher risk . . . she is, however, in good health, and her symptoms have been minor. We are hopeful that she will recover completely.” Adkesson stated.
Malena, along with the zoo’s other high-risk animals, received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine in September.
The source of the COVID infection is unknown, according to zoo.
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