The Honolulu Zoo declared on Friday that a 13-year-old African lion by the name of Ekundu died on Monday, October 11, 2021.
Ekundu and another 12-year-old female lion, Moxy, initially showed signs of upper respiratory illness with some coughing. Both results had come back positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, they were only received after Ekundu’s death because the tests were performed at mainland laboratories.
Despite continued treatment, Ekundu passed away one week after his signs firstly displayed.
Zoo veterinarian Jill Yoshicedo shared that “while most SARS-CoV-2 infections in large non-domestic cats have been mild illnesses that respond well to supportive care, Ekundu was, unfortunately, one of the newer cases where COVID seems to be linked to severe pneumonia and tragic loss of life in these species.”
Ekundu was born on November 2, 2007, and came to the Honolulu Zoo in 2010.
Ekundu, who has been treated for epilepsy for more than five years, began to get worse until he was no longer eating. Once he couldn’t receive his supportive medication in food anymore, veterinary and animal care teams decided to anesthetize him to provide treatment such as antibiotics, fluid therapy, and other medications to make him better.
Ekundu’s upper respiratory symptoms resolved in response to the treatments, although he began to show signs of lower respiratory disease with more difficulty breathing over the next few days.
Moxy’s symptoms also seemed to quickly de escalate and is expected to make a full recovery. African lions typically live up to 15-25 years in captivity.
“I commend our veterinary and keeper staff for their tireless efforts and care for Ekundu. As the only male lion at the Honolulu Zoo, Ekundu was beloved and iconic. The zoo is very saddened with his passing, and are working together to remain focused on the health and welfare of Moxy, and the care for the rest of our animals in the zoo,” said Santos Zoo Director.
The source of the lions’ infection remains unknown. All the staff that had been in close contact with the lions were previously vaccinated and compliant with the City’s employee vaccination policy.
They were also tested for COVID-19 and found to be negative. Zoo staff continues to practice strict biohazard protocols to prevent any spread of the virus to other animal areas.
“As animals can contract COVID-19 from humans, our staff are reminded to constantly and consistently work safely and follow protocols to keep our animals safe. We also would like to take this opportunity to remind all guests visiting the zoo to wear a mask in the identified zoonotic-risk animal areas which include primates, cats, dogs, and hoofstock,” added Santos.