Chronology Of Two Sumatran Tigers In Ragunan Exposed To COVID-19

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: @aniesbaswedan)

JAKARTA - Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Parks and Forests Service (Distamhut), Suzi Marsitawati conveyed the chronology of two Sumatran tigers exposed to COVID-19.

It all started when one of the tigers named Tino looked unwell. The protected animal shows symptoms of shortness of breath and others.

"On July 9, one of the Sumatran tigers named Tino, who was 9 years old, became ill with clinical symptoms of shortness of breath, sneezing, mucus from the nose, and decreased appetite," said Suzi in a statement, Sunday, August 1.

Then, two days later, a tiger named Hari showed a decline in his health condition. In fact, the symptoms shown are similar to Tino.

So, the Ragunan Wildlife Park (TMR) took samples from the two Sumatran tigers. The sample was taken to the laboratory for examination.

"On July 14, we took samples by swab and then sent them to the laboratory of the Primate Animal Study Center, IPB Bogor. Then, the results came out on July 15 which stated that the two animals were exposed to COVID-19," said Suzi.

With the results of the examination, the two Sumatran tigers were immediately given intensive care. The administration of drugs such as antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and multivitamins, continues for almost two weeks.

Until finally, the two Sumatran tigers were declared healthy. Although, until now, the condition of the two protected animals continues to be monitored.

"During the review, the condition of the two animals was healthy. Their appetite has returned to normal and the animals have also returned to being active," said Suzi. Previously, it was reported that DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Rasyid Baswedan visited two Jakarta residents who were exposed to COVID-19. However, the two of them are not humans, but Sumatran tigers.

The news that the two Sumatran tigers were exposed to COVID-19 was uploaded by Anies to the Instagram account @aniesbaswedan. The two tigers have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 15.

"Yes, Hari and Tino are Sumatran tigers. They were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 last July 15," said Anies.

Currently, the two Sumatran tigers are undergoing isolation at the Ragunan Wildlife Park (TMR).

Their condition was known to be exposed to COVID-19 based on the results of a sample examination conducted by the Center for the Study of Primate Animals, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB).