COVID vaccine: Milwaukee County Zoo begins animal vaccinations

While COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out for people worldwide, a different vulnerable group recently received the shot in Milwaukee County.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's animal care team began vaccinating high-risk animal residents for protection from COVID-19, the zoo posted on social media Tuesday, Nov. 16. 

Animals that were high-risk, the zoo said, include apes, primates, big cats and North American river otters.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

The two-dose series will mean the high-risk animals – which are trained for injections – get shots three weeks apart. During that time, the zoo said animal care staff will be monitoring them for any side effects.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is not the only facility administering the vaccine to animals. In their post, the zoo said that Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos have begun administering the vaccine in the U.S.; to date, there have been no reported adverse side effects.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

Featured

Wisconsin gun deer season: Hunter safety reminders from DNR

The Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters to make safety their number one target as they head out into the field this gun deer season.

Featured

Wisconsin Winter Weather Awareness Week: Differences between Watch, Warning and Advisory

Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin means it's a good time to go over what winter weather terminology means and how the weather behind it could affect you.

COVID-19 in WisconsinMilwaukee CountyNewsPets and Animals