BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — There's been a bit of worry as of late for zoos with big cats. A tiger at a zoo in New York tested positive for the coronavirus this week. That means CALM here in the city is being very cautious with their big cats.
"The protocols have all changed. The protocol of wiping down, the protocol of washing, the protocol of everything to keep those cats safe," said Lana Fain, the manager at CALM.
Fain is ensuring steps are being taken to keep their bobcats and mountain lions safe.
After a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York tested positive for COVID-19, apparently getting it from its asymptomatic keeper, many other big cats are showing symptoms too.
CALM has four bobcats and there mountain lions.
"They have one main keeper and she works five days a week and the other keeper that is the cover that works the other two days a week, those are the only two people that are allowed back there,"
said Fain.
Keepers are the only people still working regularly at the zoo's campus, keeping the animals happy and healthy while the business is closed.
A return date has yet to be determined, so the keepers have begun posting Facebook videos to help keep people up to date.
"We've even had requests for people's favorite animals to be featured in a video, which we will follow up on," said Fain.
Some animals across the world are enjoying the break from the zoo crowds.
Fain says her animals seem sad to not have people around.
"You know it's that interaction that they do enjoy, and it is missed out here, it is so odd not to hear kids out here, it is so odd just for it to be us."
Like many businesses, the pandemic is hurting the zoo financially.
Memberships for the zoo will be extendind for the amount of time the closure lasts.
You can donate to the zoo here.
