Two hyenas at the Denver Zoo in the US have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first case in the animal worldwide.
The hyenas were tested after several lions at the zoo became sick.
Reports say the first tested positive at a Colorado State University lab and were then confirmed by the national lab. Hyenas are famously tough and resilient animals that are known to be highly tolerant to anthrax, rabies and distemper.
The two animals are reportedly healthy and expected to recover fully. Zoo officials said the hyenas are experiencing lethargy, nasal discharge and a cough.
According to the Association Press it is now believed that many other species may be susceptible to COVID-19 based on multiple reports.
Officials of the zoo say they will continue to use the highest level of care and precaution when working with all its three thousand animals and 450 different species.