Jake Fogal
BLOOMINGTON-As COVID-19 cases continue to climb at an unprecedented rate, Miller Park Zoo has announced the closing of the Katthoefer Animal Building to the public for the second time in three months.
Many of the cats are showing COVID-19 symptoms including Rilu, a male snow leopard, is struggling with Covid induced pneumonia. Jay Tetzloff, Superintendent of Miller Park Zoo, says that the building is closed indefinitely.
“I am thinking it will be a couple of weeks. I would love to open the building sometime in January still, but I am using the word indefinitely so that we can judge the timing of reopening. We just felt it’s best to be cautious and close the building,” Tetzloff said.
Tetzloff adds that the building could be closed for two months depending on how cased continue to fair in the area. Although it’s rare for animals to give COVID-19 to humans, the greater concern is for guests to pass symptoms onto the animals.
No animals have died at the zoo from COVID-19, but male snow leopard, Rilu, had been given a blood transfusion in an effort to keep him fighting.
“It is our obligation to do everything we can do for the animals here at the Miller Park Zoo,” said Tetzloff.
Masks are required at all indoor spaces at Miller Park Zoo. Miller Park Zoo is in Miller Park located at 1020 S. Morris Ave. Bloomington, Illinois.
Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].
