At the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska, the rare large cats, which are listed as threatened by the World Wildlife Fund, died of COVID.

Three snow leopards have died at a US zoo after contracting Covid, according to heartbroken staff.

The World Wildlife Fund has listed the rare large cats as vulnerable. They died at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska.

Two more tigers believed to be infected with the illness have recovered, according to officials.

It’s the latest in a long line of reported virus illnesses in animals, as some zoos in the United States begin to implement a vaccine program to protect them.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform our community that three snow leopards at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo have passed away due to complications of COVID-19,” the Lincoln Children’s Zoo wrote on Facebook.

“Our leopards, Ranney, Everest, and Makalu, were beloved by our entire community inside and outside of the zoo.

“This loss is truly heartbreaking, and we are all grieving together.”

Two other animals appeared to have fully recovered, according to the keepers.

The statement continued: “Sumatran tigers, Axl and Kumar, have made a seemingly full recovery from their illness. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo remains open to the public and continues to take every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to humans and animals.

“We will continue following the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our animals, staff, and community.”

Five lions in Singapore zoos tested positive for the virus last week.

Professor Dale Fisher, of the National University Hospital’s Division of Infectious Diseases, told the Straits Times that infection can be passed from humans to animals if they have close exposure.

According to Professor Dale Fisher of the National University Hospital’s Division of Infectious Diseases, as cited by Straits Times, the virus can spread from humans to animals if they are in close proximity.

He said that this was found to be prevalent in minks, leading to millions of them being culled.

Back in June, it was reported that Russia had developed the first animal-specific jab tested successfully on cats and dogs.

In the United States, animal health company Zoetis Inc has already developed a COVID-19 vaccine and distributed experimental doses to nearly 70 zoos across the US.

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